On Sunday 20th September, we continue our journey through the history of tea and ceramics, following the evolutionary path of these two arts. We move towards Ming Dynasty, to encounter a pivotal moment in history. It is the autumn of the twenty-fourth year of the Hongwu reign, when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang issued the decree that marked the end of powdered tea production and the beginning of the age of loose-leaf tea.

A radical change that revolutionised the art of infusing tea and, as a consequence, ceramics. An era begins in which craftsmanship and the makers of both leaves and ceramics are celebrated, giving rise to the myths of pioneering figures and founders of long-lasting traditions.
While the elite of nobles and literati remained loyal to the art of Diancha for another century, the age of loose leaves and teapots grew and spread through popular culture, becoming an everyday art form in which new expressions of craftsmanship found their place, destined to become timeless arts.

We will showcase representative works by different artists, each with its own style, clay, and design philosophy, and explore how these elements bring different meanings to the way we brew tea.
A selection of rare teas, chosen especially for the occasion, will accompany the narration of the evolution of tea and ceramics.

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20th September we will open the first Milano Tea Week with a series of four events hosted by our founders in our tearoom in Milan, and dedicated to the historical evolution of tea and ceramics, through centuries and lands that will take us from Song to Ming dynasties.
The week will continue with events in collaboration with various Milan-based organisations, exploring tea in its many forms and expressions.
The full programme of the Milano Tea Week, with participation options, here.

If you wish to join us for all 4 events, a special 10% discount will automatically be applied to your purchase at checkout. Learn more about the other events and workshops: 

• September 19, 10 am - Perfecting Craftsmanship, the art of Jianshui
• September 19, 2 pm - Diancha, the Chinese art of powdered tea
• September 20, 2 pm - Gaiwan, the becoming of a national icon

A discount for the purchase of any single event is reserved to students of our Academy, and to the visitors who joined our Tea Tours in China. Alumni and travellers can use the code MTW26 at checkout.