Drying tea in China, c. 1900.

Repro ID: D9613

Description: During the 18th century, information on how tea was grown and packed in the interior of China was eagerly sought after by Britain, which was trying to establish a tea industry in India. Foreigners were rarely allowed to travel through China, and so paintings of tea production were extremely valuable. By the late-19th century, however, tea production was no longer a mystery, and photographs of its manufacture were easily taken by tourists. By 1900 there were 4000 tea estates in North and South India and 2000 estates in Sri Lanka. Much of the tea was coming to the London auctions and Mincing Lane became known as the world centre of the tea trade.

Creator: Unknown

Date: c. 1900

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London