Exquisite Moon Dreamer: A Tea Set Inspired by Classic Chinese Gardens

Cong Ma's Award-Winning Design Merges Traditional Aesthetics with Modern Functionality

The inspiration for Exquisite Moon Dreamer came from the serene beauty of classic Chinese gardens. Cong Ma incorporated elements such as the moon gate, Taihu stone, carved windows, and lake ripples into the design of the tea set. The result is a product that not only serves its purpose but also provides a quiet, oriental aesthetic experience while enjoying tea.

What sets Exquisite Moon Dreamer apart from other tea sets is its unique design features. The loop handle, inspired by the moon gate in classic Chinese gardens, connects the teapot in the shape of a bridge. The teapot is adorned with classic elements commonly found in Chinese gardens, with the Taihu stone serving as the knob and ripple layers shaping the lid. The double layer design of the silver cup prevents it from getting too hot to hold, and the outer layer features a variety of carved windows. This design demonstrates the successful crossover of oriental garden architecture and tea sets.

The Exquisite Moon Dreamer is crafted using the gold wood grain technique, silver, and copper. The tea pot measures 153mm in width and 172.5mm in height, while the cup and saucer have dimensions of 66mm x 35mm and 110mm x 14.57mm, respectively. The tea set is not only functional but also serves as a rebirth of intangible cultural heritage in daily life.

The project began in June 2017 in Nanjing, China, and was completed in January 2018. It was later exhibited at the Triennale di Milano in April 2018. The design process was filled with challenges and joy, as Cong Ma and his team worked to protect traditional cultural heritage and bring the gold wood grain crafts and traditional aesthetic into modern life.

Exquisite Moon Dreamer is more than just a tea set. It's a celebration of traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics, brought to life through modern design and functionality. It's a testament to Cong Ma's commitment to preserving cultural heritage while innovating for the future. And most importantly, it's a reminder that even the simplest of daily tasks, like drinking tea, can be transformed into a beautiful, aesthetic experience.