TEAPOTS A Brief History Fun Facts About Tea

TEAPOTS ~A Brief History~

Fun Facts About Tea • True or False _ All teas come from the same type of plant. (Camellia Sinensis)

Fun Facts About Tea True or False 1. __ Tea makes your bones stronger. 2. __ The second most consumed beverage in the world. 3. __ There are four main types of tea: green, white, oolong, and black. 4. __ Until the nineteenth century, solid blocks of tea were used as money in Siberia. 5. __ One cup of white tea contains the same amount of antioxidants as 10 cups of apple juice.

Brief History of Tea What is a teapot? A teapot is a vessel used for steeping tea leaves or a herbal mix in near-boiling water. What is the origin of the teapot? First Teapot Ever 1 st Millennium BC, Iranian Teapot The teapot probably derived from the ceramic kettles and wine pots which were made in bronze and other metals and were a feature of Chinese cultural life for thousands of years.

Myth or Truth? The Origin of Tea • Myth # 1: In one popular Chinese Legend, Shennong, the legendary Emperor of China and inventor of agriculture and Chinese medicine was drinking a bowl of boiling water some time around 2737 BC when a few leaves were blown from a nearby tree into his water, changing the color. The emperor took a sip of the brew and was pleasantly surprised by its flavor and restorative properties. • Myth #2: A rather gruesome legend dates back to the Tang Dynasy. In the legend, Bodhidharma, the founder of Chan Buddhism, accidentally fell asleep after meditating in front of a wall for nine years. He woke up in such disgust at his weakness that he cut off his own eyelids. They fell to the ground and took root, growing into tea bushes. Source: Wikipedia

What Makes a Good/ Bad Teapot? Good ? Bad ?

What does a Teapot need? A Lid A Handle A Body A Spout

Now it’s your Turn Your job is to make a teapot inspired by a culture. Culture- The quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.

Tea Has Influenced Nearly Every Culture India Teapots English Teapot Japanese Teapots Mexican Teapot Arabic Teapot Russian Teapot

Teapot Requirements • The Teapot must be functional. • Must show identifiable characteristics of your chosen culture. • Has a body, lid, spout, and handle • Displays traits from the elements and principles of design

Research 1. Choose a Culture 2. Learn about the tea customs of your culture. 3. Make five preliminary sketches of possible teapots (make sure you make them fit into your chosen culture!).

Important Dates Jan. 25 - Introduction, Research Jan. 29 - Research Due Feb. 11 - Teapots due for Bisque Fire Feb. 17 - Glaze Teapots Feb. 22 - Prepare Teapots/ Write Reflection Feb. 23 - Tea Party!

70 Points Total! Incomplete Research. Guided Questions Worksheet & Drawings 21% = 15 Points Research turned in Research not complete. No drawings or research evident. late, missing Teapot Displays Characteristics of Chosen Culture & Elements and Principles of Design 43% = 30 Points Teapot doesn’t show traits from a chosen culture or any elements or principles of design. Neatness & Function 21% = 15 Points The teapot isn’t functional and needs to improve craftsmanship. Tea Party Participation/ Presentation 21% = 15 Points No slide show presentation given and little or no participation in tea party discussions. Satisfactory Excellent drawings, research missing on guided questions worksheet. Student show an understanding of their cultures teapots, tea, and tea ceremony and have completed their teapot sketches. Due date: January 9 th. Teapot shows evidence of students culture but could be made more evident. Student shows few elements and principles of design. Student has described to me on a 3 * 5 note card how their teapot fits into their culture and what elements and principles of design their teapot displays. Due date: Feb. 19 th The teapot could be improved to become more functional. Overall design is neat. The teapot is functional and has a neat surface appearance. Due date: Feb. 11 th /15 Presentation is good but could be improved with more research, organization, louder voice, etc. Student provides class with important facts about their cultures tea ceremony and why their teapot fits into this culture. Participates in class /15 /30

Have some extra time… If you are done with your teapots consider making a tea cup to go with your tea pot. You could have a tea set! Japanese Tea Bowl American Tea Cup