Welcome to a 2.5-hour exquisite journey through the artistry of tea and floral design.
To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节), We are presenting an experience combining the ancient Chinese tea culture traditions and Japanese Ikebana flower arrangement, led by two distinguished artists, hosted by Mei, on a private Brooklyn Rooftop.
About the Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is one of the most cherished holidays in Chinese culture. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, it marks the time when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. This festival is a time for family reunions, expressing gratitude, and enjoying the moon's beauty. It’s also a time for indulging in mooncakes, a traditional pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings, symbolizing unity and completeness. The festival carries themes of harmony, prosperity, and the changing seasons, making it a perfect occasion to explore and appreciate the cultural traditions that connect us to nature and each other.
Ikebana Flower Arrangement Class by Chloe Ye
Our event begins with an immersive Ikebana flower arrangement class, guided by the talented flower artist Chloe Ye. Since 2017, Chloe has honed her skills in the traditional Japanese art of Ikebana, eventually founding her own floral design studio in 2020. Her work has graced renowned venues such as Fou Gallery, the China Institute’s Blue Cloud Gala, and The Blanc Gallery. Chloe’s unique approach to Ikebana, which respects the natural shapes, lines, and forms of plants, has been featured in Harper’s Bazaar China, The Laterals magazine, and Schön! Magazine. In 2023, she was the sole floral artist for Prada’s AW23 “In Conversation with a Flower” campaign in New York.
In this workshop, Chloe will introduce you to the fundamental principles of Ikebana, guiding you in creating serene and elegant floral arrangements. Participants will also collaborate in designing a tea ceremony tablescape, using the floral creations crafted during the class. The completed flower arrangements can be taken home for continued appreciation after the workshop.
Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony by Gong Mengyan
Following the flower arrangement class, we invite you to experience a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony led by esteemed Tea Artist Gong Mengyan. After earning her Ph.D. from Tsinghua University in 2015, Gong Mengyan dedicated herself to studying Chinese tea culture under the innovative tea master Li Shuyun. Her expertise has led her to collaborate with various arts and cultural institutions in New York, where she has hosted numerous tea gatherings and educational events. In 2023, she founded Teasthetic Studio, aiming to share the tradition of Chinese tea art and culture in a contemporary and innovative manner.
During the tea ceremony, you will explore the history of Chinese tea, learn about different categories of tea, and discover how to appreciate the subtleties of each brew. You’ll have the opportunity to taste two masterfully brewed teas: a delicate white tea and a robust Wuyi rock tea, offering a sensory journey through the world of Chinese tea.
Hosted by Meijun Li
Founder of Overice, a design studio that focuses on brand identity for the hospitality industry, with a deep commitment to celebrating community and entrepreneurship. Mei is passionate about bringing people together, whether it’s through hosting events like the Lunar New Year Market, private dinners, or traditional Chinese festivals. She delights in gathering creative minds, sparking inspiration, and creating meaningful experiences that connect people across cultures and traditions.
Additional Delights
To complement the experience, participants will enjoy a selection of mooncakes paired with the teas. At the end of the event, each guest will receive a tea bag and a mooncake to take home.
We hope this event brings everyone together, provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ancient traditions of Ikebana and Chinese tea culture, and inspires a lasting connection to the natural world.
Registration is required, and the admission fee is $198. Spots are limited to ensure a deeply immersive experience for each attendee.