Contemporary Ceramic Tea Set design: Focusing on the Adaptation and Integration of Qing Dynasty Tea Drinking Culture

Qifan Wang

doi:10.60027/iarj.2026.e292421

Authors

Qifan Wang Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts, Burapha University, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4962-4717

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60027/iarj.2026.e292421

Keywords:

Tea-drinking Culture, Qing Dynasty, Ceramic Tea Utensils, Cultural Connotations

Abstract

Background and Aims: China has a rich tea culture with a history spanning thousands of years, and tea utensils have always carried both functional and cultural significance. The Qing Dynasty marked the peak of ceramic tea utensil design, blending exquisite craftsmanship with cultural symbolism, making it a critical period for study and inspiration in modern design. This study aims to explore how the cultural and aesthetic elements of Qing Dynasty tea utensils can be translated into contemporary ceramic tea sets that preserve heritage while meeting the functional needs of modern consumers.

Methodology: The research was conducted in Jingdezhen, China (2022–2024), using a mixed-method approach. It involved historical analysis of Qing tea culture and aesthetics, expert interviews, consumer surveys with 500 participants, and prototyping of Qing-inspired tea sets. The study focused on three main objectives: historical documentation, modern contextualization, and design innovation.

Results: The findings highlight that Qing Dynasty-inspired designs can be effectively adapted for modern use without losing cultural authenticity. Prototype testing showed high functional performance, strong cultural appeal, and consumer purchase intent within the price range of ¥1,000–3,000. The integration of traditional aesthetics, ergonomic design, and material experimentation resulted in practical yet culturally significant tea sets.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that it is possible to merge historical heritage with modern usability through semantic and functional translation in design. By bridging tradition and modernity, Qing-inspired tea sets can serve as cultural conduits, supporting both the preservation of intangible heritage and its relevance in contemporary life. The research contributes to cultural heritage management, creative industry practices, and offers a model for future heritage-based design innovations.

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