Changes

[[File:Tea pots.jpg|thumb|left|Five Yixing Clay Teapots - showing a variety of styles from formal to whimsical.]]

[[File:Tea pots.jpg|thumb|left|Five Yixing Clay Teapots - showing a variety of styles from formal to whimsical.]]

After 1391, the [[Hongwu Emperor]], the founder of the [[Ming Dynasty]], decreed that tributes of tea to the court were to be changed from brick to loose-leaf form. The imperial decree quickly transformed the tea drinking habits of the people, changing from whisked teas to steeped teas. The arrival of the new method for preparing tea also required the creation or use of new vessels.

After 1391, the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, decreed that tributes of tea to the court were to be changed from brick to loose-leaf form. The imperial decree quickly transformed the tea drinking habits of the people, changing from whisked teas to steeped teas. The arrival of the new method for preparing tea also required the creation or use of new vessels.

*The ''tea pot'' was needed such that the tea leaves can be steeped separately from the drinking vessel for an infusion of proper concentration. The tea also needs to be kept warm and the tea leaves must be separated from the resulting infusion when required.

*The ''tea pot'' was needed such that the tea leaves can be steeped separately from the drinking vessel for an infusion of proper concentration. The tea also needs to be kept warm and the tea leaves must be separated from the resulting infusion when required.

*''Tea caddies'' and containers also became necessary in order to keep the tea and conserve its flavour. This was due to the fact that tea leaves do not preserve as well as tea bricks. Furthermore, the natural aroma of tea became the focus of the tea drinking due to the new preparation method.

*''Tea caddies'' and containers also became necessary in order to keep the tea and conserve its flavour. This was due to the fact that tea leaves do not preserve as well as tea bricks. Furthermore, the natural aroma of tea became the focus of the tea drinking due to the new preparation method.

*A change in Chinese tea ''drinking vessels'' was also evident at this point. Smaller bowls with plain or simple designs on the interior surfaces were favoured over the larger patterned bowls used for enjoying the patterns created by powdered teas. Tea drinking in small bowls and cups was likely adopted since it gathers and directs the fragrant steam from the tea to the nose and allows for better appreciation of the tea's flavour.

*A change in Chinese tea ''drinking vessels'' was also evident at this point. Smaller bowls with plain or simple designs on the interior surfaces were favoured over the larger patterned bowls used for enjoying the patterns created by powdered teas. Tea drinking in small bowls and cups was likely adopted since it gathers and directs the fragrant steam from the tea to the nose and allows for better appreciation of the tea's flavour.

Teawares made with a special kind of purple clay (Zisha) from [[Yixing]] went on to develop during this period (Ming Dynasty). The structure of purple clay made it advantageous material with tiny and high density, preferred for heat preservation and perviousness.

Teawares made with a special kind of purple clay (Zisha) from [[Yixing]] went on to develop during this period (Ming Dynasty). The structure of purple clay made it advantageous material with tiny and high density, preferred for heat preservation and perviousness.

Simplicity and rusticity dominated the idea of purple clay teaware decoration art. It became soon the most popular method of performing [[Gongfu tea ceremony|Chinese tea ceremony]], which often combines literature, calligraphy, painting and seal cutting in Chinese culture.

Simplicity and rusticity dominated the idea of purple clay teaware decoration art. It became soon the most popular method of performing [[Chinese tea ceremony]], which often combines literature, calligraphy, painting and seal cutting in Chinese culture.

The loose-leaf tea and the purple clay teaware is still the preferred method of preparing tea in Chinese daily life.

The loose-leaf tea and the purple clay teaware is still the preferred method of preparing tea in Chinese daily life.