Shape from Song to now: The exhibition features 35 sets from the collections of Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware in various types spanning the Song dynasty to the 20th century, such as tea bowl, tea caddy and teapot, along with 20 sets of new works by Hong Kong wood artist Yan Yung and bamboo artist Inkgo Lam. The artists draw inspiration from the shapes, forms, and tea culture, tracing the aesthetics of life in the Song dynasty: integrating the aesthetics and art of rustic simplicity and unpretentious elegance into daily life. They delve into the pursuit of life and tea appreciation by ancient scholars, engaging the visitors in a journey that transcends tradition and modernity.

Shape in technique and art: The artists each created 9 and 11 sets of works, respectively, inheriting the traditional craftsmanship of joinery and bamboo weaving while integrating expressions of contemporary art. The works are diverse in form, featuring small tea bowls that highlight the natural grains of wood, exquisite bamboo carved tea ware, as well as mortise tea racks approximately two metres tall and bamboo woven tea tables over three metres long, interpreting the enjoyment of tea drinking among urbanites who capture moments of leisure amidst their busy lives.

Shape and Hong Kong landscapes: The artists emphasise intriguing connections with Hong Kong during their creative process. They create art from locally fallen wood and draw inspiration from flora and species named after Hong Kong, as well as urban and rural landscapes. Through warm wood and resilient bamboo, they express their visions of Hong Kong in their works.

Curatorial Insights on Shape: The exhibition explore the diverse forms of tea experiences across four galleries. It aims for the public to realise that tea drinking is not just about aroma and flavour or the beauty of tea ware and tea ceremonies, but also about the spiritual interaction with oneself or others during the process.

Shape for Me Time, tea time: The tea room, meticulously constructed by the wood artist Yan Yung, will provide visitors with a space to take a break and reflect. It will host various tea demonstrations and activities, including a special “tea contest” demonstration and artist workshops focused on wooden and bamboo tea ware.

From 2025.11.26, Gallery 5 to 8, 1/F, and Activity room, G/F, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

For more information please visit the website.

Tagged 21/11.