Chinese Rituals

At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.

Lao Tzu
The tea ceremony

The discovery of tea has been claimed by various historical figures and periods, but the most charming theory comes from the legend of Emperor Shen Nung. Around 2737 bc, Shen Nung was relaxing under a tree waiting for water to boil on an open fire, when a few leaves drifted into the pot. The Emperor was so intrigued by the aroma wafting out of the pot that he decided to try it and was amazed by its refreshing qualities and wonderful flavor. Tea is an inspiration for designers, lending lyricism to the patterns they craft for their fabrics and for the shades of green, black, and ochre that they transfuse into silks and cashmere. The tender touch and patience that is required to develop different flavors and emotions in the cultivating, brewing, and drinking of tea is a perfect guide to creating fabrics and garments that sing in harmony with the men and women who wear them.
The art of eating

Throughout the course of its long and storied history, China has always had a rich and diverse food culture, and eating is inextricably
linked to the nation’s cultural heritage. Great importance is placed on gathering together at mealtimes, and much of Chinese family life revolves around the table. Traditionally, Chinese people believed that it was de rigueur not to talk during a meal, as the enjoyment of the ritual of eating might be compromised. Today, however, food and conversation go hand in hand, and Shanghai Tang’s fine tableware takes its inspiration from this modern tradition.
Shuang Lu Qi

A precursor of backgammon, the game of shuang lu qi, meaning “double land,” the maximum roll possible with two dice - was
played in China as early as a.d. 700. Shuang lu qi closely resembled backgammon in that it was played on a similar type of board, with thirty checkers whose movements were dictated by a throw of two dice.
Tai Chi

The ancient art of tai chi dates to the twelfth century, when it started as a form of self-defense before evolving into a spiritual practice that many consider to be “meditation in motion.” Deeply rooted in the Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, tai chi’s gentle, flowing movements are believed to help the flow of a vital life force - known as chi - throughout the body, promoting harmony and balance both in the body and in life.
Chinese Opera

Dating back to the Tang dynasty, Chinese opera is one of the oldest forms of dramatic art in the world and a lasting reminder of China’s musical, literary, and sartorial history. Traditional Chinese
instruments like the erhu accompany often falsetto dialogue and song and gong to portray poetry, folklore, and some of ancient China’s most valuable literature, while complex costumes and intense makeup bring a theatrical element that continues to inspire modern Chinese fashion.
The Chinese Wedding

A traditional Chinese marriage follows the principle of “three letters and six etiquettes”: the letters being for betrothal, gifts, and the wedding, while the etiquettes are proposing, birthday matching, presenting betrothal and wedding gifts, picking an auspicious wedding date, and the wedding ceremony itself. Designing gifts and gowns for wedding ceremonies are art forms in themselves, and the most elegant nuptials draw on all the best cultural traditions while adding a playful contemporary flair. Tradition blended with innovation is at the core of Shanghai Tang’s DNA, representing its marriage to Chinese culture.
Mongolian Polo

The Tang dynasty Emperor Jingzong was assassinated while playing polo. Both before and after this incident, polo has been seen in China as a strong test of a man’s courage and masculinity as well as a means for him to display his elegance and sporting prowess. In ancient China, women played polo with as much vigor as men, especially during the Song dynasty, when the concubines of Huizong, the eighth emperor of the Northern Song dynasty organized a women’s polo team that dressed in the finest fabrics for games within the palace walls. Shanghai Tang has been inspired by the way that polo tests ingenuity and courage, supporting the sport in Outer Mongolia and designing polo apparel that is infused with color and vivid emblems.
More about Polo
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Chinese Rituals

The tea ceremony

The art of eating

Shuang Lu Qi

Tai Chi

Chinese Opera

The Chinese Wedding

Mongolian Polo