Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

The Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is housed in Hong Kong`s oldest colonial building - Flagstaff House, constructed in 1846 as the residence of the British military commander. Today, it stands as Hong Kong`s only museum entirely dedicated to the art of tea drinking.

History of the Tea Ware Museum in Hong Kong

- 1984: The building was converted into a museum focusing on Chinese tea culture 
- 1995: The collection expanded with the addition of Dr. K.S. Lo`s renowned tea ware collection 
- 2015: Major restoration preserved the building`s neoclassical style

History of Chinese Tea Ceremonies

China`s tea traditions span over 2,000 years. The museum showcases key developmental stages:

1. Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) 
  - Tea was compressed into bricks, then boiled with ginger and onion 
  - Handleless ceramic bowls were used

2. Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) 
  - Whisked tea emerged (similar to Japanese tea ceremony) 
  - Glazed teaware came into use

3. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) 
  - Transition to loose-leaf tea brewing 
  - Golden age of Yixing clay teapots

4. Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD) 
  - Tea sets became status symbols 
  - Intricate designs featuring dragons and landscapes appeared

What to See in the Museum?

✔ Rare Artifacts 
- Ming Dynasty (16th century) Yixing clay teapot 
- Pure white porcelain for imperial use 
- 19th century silver tea strainers

✔ Interactive Zones 
- Video demonstrations of tea ceremonies 
- Opportunity to touch different tea varieties

✔ Tea Pavilion 
Hosts workshops on brewing Pu`er and Oolong teas