History. It is true that the word for tea, cha, never appeared in ancient Chinese texts; the character cha was created by Lu Yu in the 8th century during the Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.).

Zen, Tea and Chinese Art in Medieval Japan Through June 14 at the Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW (Metro: Smithsonian). 202-633-1000. www.asia.si.edu .