Lotus Tea

The artwork "Ho Tay Lotus Tea" is more than a depiction of a traditional tea-making craft - it is a poetic reflection of Vietnamese cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the artisan community in Quảng An, Tây Hồ. Rooted in centuries of dedication, this tea is crafted from Bách Diệp lotuses - a rare variety with countless pink petals that bloom gracefully in the heart of West Lake.

Each year, as lotus season returns, artisans begin their day before dawn, rowing quietly across the lake to harvest fresh blossoms. These flowers are carefully layered with green tea leaves over 15 to 21 days in a painstaking scenting process that requires up to 1,400 blooms per kilogram of tea. The result is not only a fragrant, refined beverage, but a living expression of tradition, patience, and reverence for nature.

Beyond its craftsmanship, the artwork conveys a deeper meaning - the cycle of life. Just as the tea nourishes the lotus, so too does each generation nurture the next, passing down knowledge, values, and devotion. It is a cycle of continuity and growth - a tribute to heritage sustained and reimagined through time.