《点雪为汤，盏中起舞》 ——一次以手为笔、以茶为墨的宋代雅集体验

This project centers on the intangible cultural heritage of Diancha (tea whisking) and Chabaixi (tea art performances) from the Song Dynasty, presenting an immersive interactive tea table experience. Rather than focusing on a full meal, the work is situated in the tranquil setting of afternoon tea, allowing viewers to engage with the elegance of ancient tea rituals in a relaxed atmosphere.
The video opens with the reanimation of the classical painting Wenhui Tu (The Literary Gathering), bringing a still image to life and drawing the audience into the world of the literati. It then unfolds the full process of Diancha: roasting tea, grinding, sifting, heating water, warming the bowl, measuring tea powder, pouring water, whisking, and drawing patterns—until the tea froth swirls like snow, forming intricate images in the cup, characteristic of Chabaixi.
The scene is enriched with elements such as Song-style pastries, incense, and flower arrangements, embodying the Four Elegant Pastimes of the Song literati: incense, tea, painting, and flower arranging. The entire visual narrative is presented in the style of a horizontal scroll painting, echoing the aesthetic of traditional Chinese handscrolls and symbolizing the flowing continuity of culture and time.
Interactive elements are embedded within key stages of the process, allowing viewers to use gestures to trigger tea-making actions and activate details within the scene—inviting them to physically and emotionally partake in the dance within the tea bowl.
In the end, as the fragrance lingers and the patterns dissolve, the tea becomes a bridge across time—a quiet cultural dialogue unfolding within the fingertips and inside the cup.