Nineteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

In the high-end Chinese tea retailing sector, young women have become emblematic as modern tea masters (茶艺师), blending beauty and business. This symbolization reveals the intricate relationship between femininity and commerce, where women transition from mythic tea-picking nymphs to contemporary tea artisans. Behind this facade, there’s a rich tapestry of cultural and commercial dynamics, intertwining age-old romanticized images with current commercial trends. This narrative is deeply intertwined with gender norms and societal expectations about beauty. The tea culture’s portrayal of women, reminiscent of historic mediums like “The Young Companion” (良友杂志), oscillates between empowerment and objectification. The democratization of tea artistry in the early 2000s brought a broader societal interest, exemplified by institutions like Shanghai Qinhanhutong Sinology School (秦汉胡同国学学校). Yet, the prevailing aesthetic standards emphasized in such spaces lean heavily towards youthful, light-skinned ideals, placing additional pressures on female artists. This study unravels the complex roles and challenges faced by women in the Chinese tea realm, spotlighting their journey of self-cultivation amidst the overarching male gaze.