We believe tea is more than a drink—it’s the art of life.
At Teasthetic, we celebrate Chinese tea traditions as a bridge connecting daily life with art and culture.
Explore premium Chinese teas that carry the whispers of nature. Discover handcrafted teaware that elevates every tea moment. Visit our New York City tea space to savor masterfully brewed teas and take part in serene, enriching tea ceremonies, events, and classes.
Our Philosophy
At Teasthetic, we see tea not merely as a daily necessity or a pleasing beverage. It's a living philosophy, an aesthetic seamlessly woven with the essence of life itself. It reflects a way of living that harmonizes with nature. It connects to the ancient philosophies of Daoism, Zen, and Confucianism, yet contemporary enough to blend with modern living.
Through tea, we engage with life on a profound level:
Mindfulness: The rituals and practices of tea awaken a sense of serenity and focus, opening us not just to our senses but to inner awareness that enriches our life's quality.
Etiquette: Embracing the courtesy of chahui, we refine our daily interactions and foster friendships with like-minded individuals.
Nature: Each cup of tea carries the essence of mountains and rivers. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance in environment and climate, nurturing a respectful relationship with nature.
Appreciation: Mindfully brewing and tasting each tea enables us to perceive the subtleties brought by environment and craftsmanship. The meticulous use of teaware connects us to the beauty in functional objects.
Integrated Artistry: Tea is a comprehensive art form. Preparing a chahui is akin to directing a performance. From choosing the theme to planning the process, every aspect reflects the tea artist's cultivation and creativity. We advocate drawing inspiration from contemporary life and art, allowing tea stages and tea ceremonies to resonate with the spirit of the times.
In this fusion of tradition and modernity, Teasthetic creates an atmosphere where tea becomes an experience, a space where life and art intersect.
About Our Founder
Everything began with a visit to a tranquil Zen temple back in 2015.
It was in Yuquan Temple, Hebei, China. Our founder, Gong Mengyan (龚梦艳), then a Ph.D. candidate, was entranced by a chahui (Chinese tea ceremony). The grace, the serenity, the hidden poetic beauty in the ordinary act of tea brewing—it all became a revelation, an elegant new way to see the world.
From that moment, her passion for tea ignited, and deepened over the years. Under the tutelage of Li Shuyun (李曙韵), one of China's most innovative masters of tea aesthetics, she embraced the philosophy and artistry of tea. It was a journey of continuous exploration, learning, and reflection.
In 2021, with her love for tea now a defining part of her life, Mengyan left her research behind and embarked on a voyage across China. Engagements with her mentors provided rich insights. Frequent visits to Jingdezhen, where the creativity of independent ceramic artists flourished, ignited new inspirations.
After returning to the United States in 2022, Mengyan has organized various forms of tea ceremonies in collaboration with art and cultural institutions in New York City. The feedback from the participants filled her with inspiration and affirmed her beliefs.
In 2023, Mengyan founded Teasthetic, driven by a mission to spread the tradition of Chinese tea art and culture in a modern way.
Teasthetic is a movement, a philosophy, and a community.
Join us in this journey towards mindful living, where a cup of tea transcends beyond taste to a philosophy, a connection, and an elevated existence.