Friendship and Connection

(Nighttime) Tea is indispensable in the daily life of the Chinese. It is served to welcome guests as a symbol of friendship and is a long-held tradition in all classes. Tea thus holds a great deal of sentimental value, being more than just a thirst-quenching drink. Walking through the alley of a Chinese community in the evening, we often see old Chinese men sitting and happily sipping tea. A small charcoal stove is on an old table surrounded by chairs in front of a house. White steam comes out of the spout of a clay kettle beside a little teapot with a few tiny teacups. An old man waves a handheld fan to cool himself down. Meanwhile, his wife and grandchildren sit close together, showing the warmth of family relationships. These touching memories inspired the artist to create the sculpture.