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Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

Special Exhibitions

The Art of Living: Stationery and Tea Accessories of the Chinese Literati

2023.8.2 - 2024.9.30

Venue: 1/F, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

Free admission

Since the Ming dynasty, Chinese literati had developed a taste for a more sophisticated lifestyle. They became interested in collecting and appreciating the tools and objects used in their scholarly life. In this exhibition, ancient Chinese stationery items, accessories and tea ware made of bamboo, jade, inkstone, as well as zisha (purple clay) will be shown, including selected collections from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visitors will be able to take a glimpse into the everyday life and aesthetics of traditional Chinese literati.

In addition, the exhibition will also introduce the utensils and setup of a Chinese tea ceremony in an interactive manner through the installation Tea Appreciation Space: My Proposal for Tea Ceremony, based on the theme of tea-tasting activities that were often seen in ancient literati gatherings. We have prepared the online version of the interactive programme for everyone to try and experience the charm of Chinese tea culture.

'Tea Appreciation Space : My Proposal For Tea Ceremony' Online Version: https://web.lcsd-teaceremony.com/en

image Washer of lotus shape
Washer of lotus shape
Qing dynasty (early 18th century)
Chen Mingyuan
Ceramics
H 6.3 cm W 13.2 cm
The K.S. Lo Collection
C1981.0431

image Teapot painted in famille-rose enamels with domestic scenes
Teapot painted in famille-rose enamels with domestic scenes
Qianlong period (ca.1760), Qing dynasty
Ceramics
H 13.4 cm W 17.2 cm
The K.S. Lo Collection
C1981.0193