Green tea on black background — Green Tea. Photo by Anna King

Riddled with politics, colonialism and exploitation, the history of tea is, without doubt, controversial.

However, tea is now one of the most popular beverages in the world. For some cultures tea-drinking and it’s preparation is a reflection of people and place; as well as being a symbol of unity, peace, friendship and hospitality.

This blog considers the art of tea drinking as an opportunity for contemplation, reflection, and aesthetic exploration.

After a brief glimpse into the rich history of traditional tea ceremonies, Anna guides you through a contemporary mindful tea drinking practice, followed by a selection of tea blends.

Tea Plant (Camellia Sinensis): Flowering Stem. Unknown Artist. Photo credit: Wellcome Collection

Tea culture has it’s origin in China. The Gongfu tea ceremony, once a strictly religious practice, is now one of the most famous tea ceremonies in the world.

Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, gained prominence in Japan during the 12th century. Originally introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks as a ritualistic practice to aid meditation, the tea ceremony gradually transformed into a highly stylised and revered art form, known for its emphasis upon mindfulness and harmonious aesthetics.

In the 16th century, tea masters, such as Sen no Rikyū, played a pivotal role in popularising the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Rikyū's teachings emphasised the principles of wabi-sabi, blending simplicity with an appreciation for the beauty of imperfection and the transience of life. These values deeply influenced the aesthetics and philosophical underpinnings of chanoyu, shaping it into a ritual that celebrates the imperfect and fleeting nature of existence.

Japanese Art depicting tea house — A Party of Merrymakers in a Tea-house at Shinagawa, by Torii Kiyonaga, 1783. Credit: Rogers Fund, 1914. Met Museum

Throughout history, the tea ceremony has been intricately linked with various forms of artistic expression. In traditional Japanese art, depictions of tea ceremonies often adorned screens, scrolls, and ceramics.

Contemporary artists reinterpret the tea ceremony through a range of mediums, including immersive installations that invite audience participation, to multimedia works that explore its philosophical underpinnings. For instance, contemporary Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto has created installations that evoke the meditative atmosphere of the tea ceremony, drawing upon its symbolism and ritualistic elements.

While the earliest documented references to tea originated in ancient China, tea rituals and traditions surrounding tea consumption have developed throughout the world.

For example, in Morocco there is a strong tradition of tea ceremony, known as ‘atai’, which involves a highly ritualised preparation and serving of mint tea in vibrant tea glasses.

Similarly, in Britain, the tradition of afternoon tea carries its own set of rituals and etiquette, often depicted in works of art, such as ‘5 O’Clock’, by John Bagnold Burgess (1852), and ‘Afternoon Tea’, by George Goodwin Kilburne (1897).

Edward Bawden's delightful lino-print, 'Tea for Two (Cats),' offers a charming glimpse into the pervasive presence of tea-drinking in British daily life. In the 1930s, Bawden further showcased his affinity for tea by illustrating a collection of tea blends for the renowned Twinings tea company.

The Art of Tea Drinking

Traditionally, tea refers to plant Camellia sinensis. The plant (or shrub) produces a diverse array of teas, including white, yellow, black, and green tea, as well as oolong and pu-erh varieties.

Green tea and herbs, for the art of tea blog — A combination of green tea and herbs, by Anna King

Although frequently labeled as ‘tea,’ herbal infusions do not originate from the Camellia sinensis plant, and are therefore not regarded as ‘true’ tea.

Nevertheless, botanical teas have gained immense popularity as alternative options, and are often mixed with true tea (Camellia sinensis).

There is a long tradition of using quiet, reflective tea practices as part of a deeply relaxing meditation or retreat experience, and world-wide there are countless ceremonies and blends used during meals and celebrations.

Indeed, tea pairings (both true tea and botanical) are now a popular alternative to wine in fine dining establishments.

“Botanical teas are a poetic expression of nature’s magnificence;
An opportunity to integrate a little bit of restorative magic into your everyday life;
And, an invitation to find balance amidst life’s challenges and chaos.”
— Anna

Brown tea pot: the art of tea — The At of Tea, by Anna King

One of my favourite practices is a mindful botanical tea experience:

The art of tea: rose petals on black groundground — The Art of Tea, by Anna King

Tea is so much more than a source of hydration and nutrients. Drinking tea is a sensory experience that can help us connect to our intuition and the ‘deep well of potential’ that exists within. Taking time to regularly contemplate and reflect upon the properties and quality of the plants, herbs and fruit in your tea blends can have a really balancing effect on your emotions and nervous system. It is a wonderful way of integrating mindful meditation into your daily life, particularly for people who find sitting in traditional meditation difficult.

A Mindful Tea Experience

After brewing your favourite tea, sit comfortably; take a few conscious breaths and slightly extend your exhalation - so that it’s a little longer than your inhalation.

Hold your cup of tea close to your chest and pause.

Now consider the temperature of the tea. Be aware of your sense of touch through the warmth of the tea cup.

Now slowly bring the cup to your nose and pause here while smelling the tea’s aroma. See what kind of sensations this elicits in your body? Maybe the scent brings back memories, or maybe you experience a deep sense of relief and relaxation - let every sensation unfold naturally, without force. Slowly sip…

Now it’s time to turn your attention inward.

Connect to the water element of your tea and then bring your attention to how you feel - with no expectation, just awareness - you’re not trying to change how you feel, so don’t worry if you are tired, stressed or upset. The art of tea drinking is about creating some ‘sacred’ space that will enable you to give attention to a practice that enables your nervous system to rest, relax and rejuvenate. We are not FORCING change; it’s an invitation. Spend a few moments being present with yourself and your feelings.

Now that you have honoured your feelings, bring your attention back to the tea, its aroma, warmth, colours and the element of water.

If you find your mind or emotions running away with you - don’t worry, just keep bringing your attention back to your tea-experience. Let the warmth of the tea and properties of the herbs soothe your frayed emotions. Close your eyes and enjoy the experience.

When you have finished take a few moments to honour the plants in your infusion. Thank the plants in your tea, the growers who have harvested them and then close the practice by some simple act, such as taking your cup to the sink, or composting the herbs.

Below are my current favourite blends.

Elements, by Alveus

Cultivated with love, picked by hand and packaged with care, these organic tea blends are sourced from some of the worlds finest remote tea gardens, thus guaranteeing high quality ingredients that are certified and ethically produced.

Jasmin Imperial

Four top Chinese teas are united here into a blend of the finest green tea and delicate white tea.

Ingredients: Green Tea China Jasmin, Pai Mu Tan, China Jasmin Silverneedle, China Jasmin Dragon Pearls. 100% Organic Hand-Blended Premium Tea Blend.

Lady’s Star Deluxe

The spicy power of black teas in this blend are rounded off by a fruity note of orange and citrus and a light floral touch. Certified Organic.

Ingredients: Black Tea Assam, South India, Lemongrass, Black Tea Assam OP, Black Tea Golden Yunnan OP, Lemon Peels, Verbena Whole, Rose Petals, Cornflower blue. Natural Flavouring: Orange Peels. Certified Organic

Amour Provence. Rosemary-Thyme-Lemon Taste.

A touch of rosemary, thyme and lemon refines the floral notes in this tea, and sweet cinnamon creates a mellow aftertaste.

Ingredients: Lemongrass, Cinnamon Sticks, Verbena, Olive Leaves, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, Lime Blossoms. Natural Flavouring (Lemon, Grapefruit). Certified Organic.

As with all herbal teas - please check with your health-care practitioner before consumption if you are on medication, pregnant have allergies or any other health condition.

Tea on linen cloth in summer sunlight — The Art of Tea Drinking - Photo by Anna King

The Art of Tea drinking