In Harmony: The Way of Tea

The ‘In Harmony: The Way of Tea’ exhibition curated by Amy Chow, world-renowned interdisciplinary design expert, will bring fresh impetus to Design Spectrum’s ongoing exhibition programme with thought-provoking insights from Lee Chi Wing, exhibition co-curator and founder of local product design brand Milk Design. A space dedicated to tea culture, the exhibition probes into the depths, the many possibilities, and the collective cultural memory originating from this ancient brew through the lens of history, aesthetics, life and nature. 

The Exhibition ‘In Harmony: The Way of Tea’: Featuring 45 projects by 20 design units from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Taiwan and Japan among other regions in Asia, the 4-part exhibition starts by enlightening visitors on the history of tea. This is followed by a study of the connection between tea, beauty and life through a diverse and versatile array of tea-related works, from tea ware and tea leaf product packaging to the design of teahouses.

20 design units creating a space of Tea Culture together: An extravaganza of design works offers visitors a unique experience beyond the world of tea. Among the exhibits are perfectly usable tea ware crafted by TOKI NASHIKI, a ceramics studio established by local young people who conceive pottery and everyday ware as that thin borderline between art and design, imbued with a sense of timelessness. Likewise, Annie Wan Lai Kuen, another exhibiting contemporary ceramic artist, inspired by her personal experience of visiting homes and attending symposiums in Japan, uses daily objects as her subject matter to help us rediscover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Lify, a smart tea brewer developed by a local wellness technology start-up, offers urban dwellers the joy of brewing a cup of quality herbal tea from patented herbal discs. Taiwan designer Feng Cheng-Tsung envisions a diverse collection of bamboo utensils for tea made with traditional techniques and so on.

Multisensory Tea Stall Experience Highlights the Relationship between Tea and Nature:

Co-curator Lee Chi Wing and his Milk Design team will add to the experiential edge with a ‘Mobile Tea Stall’ that goes against the popular perception of tea appreciation with a design that balances between form and function. On-site brewing services, alongside tea tasting and tea ceremony workshops, will be organised in collaboration with local tea brand BASAO as one of the extended activities, to add an extra dimension to the tea appreciation. Among the attractive programme line-up, workshops will be held for making hand-made white clay teacups and planting herbs, so visitors can enjoy a feast of the senses as they enjoy a cup of tea in a tranquil and cosy setting.

Urban Tea Oasis: Enjoy Planting and Unwind: With the modern Chinese garden ‘Herbal Pavilion’ conceived by Milk Design, perched in the Atrium on the ground floor of 7 Mallory Street, the pavilion serves as an urban farmland with contemporary use at the heart of the city. The land is tended by Joyce Ng, an Urban Grower who will share the joy of planting with the neighbourhood and visitors. Design Spectrum will also organise herbs planting workshops to give participants a chance to take the plants home with them and gain a better understanding of tea and related plants. The small green patch is a wonderland where visitors can farm, unwind and enjoy nature amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

Series of Workshops: Design Spectrum will also organise a series of free activities, including free guided tours and workshops on making hand-made white clay teacups and planting herbs as well as design, tea ceremony and other tea appreciation programmes. So visitors can enjoy a feast of the senses as they enjoy a cup of tea in a tranquil and cosy setting.