Tea chest. Japan, early 20th century. Wood, exterior paper decoration, tin lining. photo courtesy of Fowler Museum at UCLA
Tea chest. Japan, early 20th century. Wood, exterior paper decoration, tin lining. Private Collection. Photo courtesy of Fowler Museum at UCLA

Starting tomorrow and running through November 29th, the Fowler Museum at UCLA will be presenting Steeped in History: The Art of Tea.

The exhibit features art from Asia, Europe and America. Pieces on display include paintings, tea paraphernalia, rare ceramics and prints.  Focus is not only on the items and their beauty, but much upon the politics and history surrounding tea. This comes as little surprise, as Steeped in History: The Art of Tea is guest curated by Beatrice Hohenegger, author of Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West

Tea bowl, Qingbai ware. China, Northern Song dynasty, 1050-1100. Porcelain, blue-green glaze. On loan, Asian Art Museum, the Avery Brundage Collection. Photo courtesy of Fowler Museum at UCLA
Tea bowl, Qingbai ware. China, Northern Song dynasty, 1050-1100. Porcelain, blue-green glaze. On loan, Asian Art Museum, The Avery Brundage Collection. Photo courtesy of Fowler Museum at UCLA

Related events going on at the Fowler Museum look just as exciting as the exhibit. Food demonstrations, tea ceremonies and LA tea tours are all on the schedule of programs planned for August through November. “Kids in the Courtyard” activities look like fun for both children and adults. In September there will be lectures from, among others, Beatrice Hohenegger herself. More information on these programs can be found at the news link found here. I wish I lived in LA – the envy is killing me! Be sure to make my envy worse and go see Steeped in History: The Art of Tea starting tomorrow!

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