The Beauty of Harmony: When Qing-Dynasty “Tuanhua” Meet Chinese Scented Tea

A Dialogue Across Three Centuries of Patterns and Tea Aroma

Chinese people have always adored vibrant blossoms and valued a complete, harmonious life. The “Tuanhua” motif—an artistic interpretation of nature—has a long history that traces back to prehistoric times.

The calm elegance of the tuanhua motif quietly encounters the lively floral fragrance waiting to be awakened in tea.

We naturally wonder: How did this palace-born motif step down from ornate garments and fine wares to enter modern tea life?

 

And how will its ancient blessings—symbolizing reunion, harmony, and good fortune—gain new vitality when paired with rising tea aroma?

1.Tracing the Past: The Cultural Meaning of Qing-Dynasty Tuanhua

The tuanhua (also called ball-flower) is a circular, intricate, and lively motif often seen on porcelain, lacquerware, and textiles.

Its prototypes appeared early in history—spirals on prehistoric pottery spindles and flame-like circular motifs on Shang and Zhou bronzes are early forms of the roundel pattern.

Tuanhua motifs began to spread during the Sui and Tang dynasties, though mainly as secondary decorations.

By the Song and Yuan periods, they began appearing inside vessels, and the Ming dynasty continued this style.

In the Qing dynasty, Tuanhua motifs were transformed with new themes and forms, featuring multi-flower compositions and more dynamic ball-flower designs.

 

2.Blending with the Present: Tuanhua Motifs in Modern Packaging

Graphic Transformation—The design draws from Qing ceramic motifs and flowers used in iTeaworld scented teas, creating a unique brand identity.

Color Reconstruction—The palette echoes iTeaworld’s tea categories while contrasting gently with the flowers’ natural hues.

Packaging Material—Paper enhances the elegance of the hand-drawn motifs, while silver-foil text adds refinement.

3.Culture Reborn: Tuanhua Motifs in the Fragrance of Tea

When tuanhua meet scented tea, it becomes more than a visual pairing—it is a harmony of cultural spirit.

The Roundel’s “Circle”: Reunion and Completion

The roundel symbolizes health, longevity, happiness, and reunion.

The Tea’s “Fragrance”: Nature and Inner Peace

Scented tea follows the principle of infusing fragrance—you see tea, not petals, yet sense the flowers through aroma.

Like the layered structure of roundels, the fragrance of scented tea blooms gradually, creating natural resonance.

iTeaworld hopes tea lovers can taste not only tea, but also history’s warmth and blessings of harmony.