Undercover: Tea Cozies of China & Beyond

January 16, 2011 – April 22, 2011

From exquisitely embroidered silken sleeves to intricately carved and lacquered boxes, these tea cozies are as rich and sophisticated as China’s finest leaf. Beginning in the 17th century, the import of tea from China transformed Western, and especially British, culture forever. With the advent of afternoon teatime in the 1800s came fine Chinese porcelain teapots and the necessity of insulated tea cozies to keep the pot warm. This exhibition of fine cozies from China and Europe features motifs that highlight various values and aesthetics from different cultures, while also reminding us that in spite of drastic cultural differences, we can all take delight in sharing a pot of hot tea.

Special thanks to Sally Yu Leung who kindly loaned many pieces from her personal collection for this exhibit.  Ms. Leung specializes in Chinese culture and folk art, often producing and curating cultural exhibits. She has also had many active roles at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum including Senior Docent and serving on the Commission of the Asian Art Museum. In addition, she has served on the boards of the Society for Asian Art, the Chinese American International School and the Chinese Cultural Foundation.