In London, the combination of lacquer art and tea can only be experienced at Tea Story!
- Tea Story
- Nov 19, 2025
- 2 min read
On the afternoon of Sunday, 16th November 2025, over thirty enthusiasts of tea culture and handicrafts gathered at an art space in E14 3PS for a unique "Lacquer Tea Ceremony" workshop. This was more than an event - it was a heartfelt dialogue transcending cultural boundaries.
Contemporary Interpretation of Intangible Cultural Heritage
At 2pm, sunlight streamed through the windows onto worktables, filling the air with the distinctive scent of lacquer and tea aromas. Under the guidance of artist Mai Mai, participants embarked on a journey exploring Eastern aesthetics.
Mai Mai, a young artist active in both China and the UK, brought professional depth to the event with her unique artistic perspective. Her work "uni-seeds" was selected for the "NOW2025" group exhibition at the UK's Gerald Moore Gallery, "Tracing an Inch" was exhibited at the 2023 China University Student Art Fair (Wuhan), and "Healing Bell" was selected for the 2022 Fujian Shen Shao'an Lacquer Art Exhibition - these rich artistic experiences enabled her to present ancient techniques in the most engaging way to London participants.
Handcrafted Moments: From Lacquer Gourds to Traditional Sachets
The workshop featured two representative intangible cultural heritage experiences:
Lacquer Gourd MakingUnder Mai Mai's one-to-one guidance, each participant carefully polished, lacquered, and decorated their own lacquer gourd. The complexity and precision of lacquer work became a meditative practice in patience.
Traditional Sachet MakingAt another worktable, participants selected Chinese herbs, followed ancient recipes, and hand-stitched their unique sachets. The fragrances of angelica, mugwort, and clove intertwined with tea aromas, creating a distinctive sensory experience.
Tea Moments: A Tea Story Journey
Midway through the handicraft session, Tea Story Club's tea masters served three carefully selected teas:
Wuyi Rock Tea: Mineral notes complementing the depth of lacquer art
Osmanthus White Tea: Gentle sweetness balancing focused craftsmanship
Rose Black Tea: Floral fragrance reviving the senses
Building Authentic Cultural Community
The most touching aspect wasn't just the preservation of skills, but the creation of community. Participants from diverse backgrounds connected through their shared passion for Eastern aesthetics.
As Tea Story always advocates: we don't just sell tea - we build spaces for cultural exchange. Here, tea becomes the medium connecting people, while traditional crafts form the starting point for dialogue.
Join Us for Tea at Tea Story
The success of this Lacquer Tea Ceremony workshop reaffirms Tea Story's original vision: creating an authentic, warm cultural hub in London. Every weekend, our space welcomes all who appreciate tea culture and are curious about Eastern aesthetics.
Here, you can not only taste organic teas from China's finest terroirs but also meet like-minded friends and participate in more wonderful cultural activities.
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In busy London life, give yourself a quiet afternoon. Come here for good tea, good company, and beautiful discoveries.
【Tea Story】Tea Lounge Adress:Tea Lounge 48 Eastcastle St, London W1W 8DX.
With our sincerest regards,
The Tea Story Team
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