Song Dynasty Tea Culture

During the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), tea culture flourished as an esteemed art form emphasizing refinement, aesthetics, and scholarly pursuits. People valued high-quality tea, sophisticated brewing methods, and elegant wares like porcelain cups and tea sets. Tea served as a symbol of social status, intellectual accomplishment, and harmony. The era popularized practices such as whisking powdered tea and enjoying leisurely tasting sessions, often accompanied by poetry and painting. This cultural emphasis elevated tea from everyday refreshment to a ritual that reflected personal refinement and cultural sophistication.