The Tea Dance collection of teapots and glasses were designed by Amsterdam-based German/Iranian designer Siba Sahabi. The pieces are made out of paper, using a technique that involves cutting, rolling and gluing. This technique results in pots, bowls and glasses that imply movement.
The collection took its inspiration from a tradition traced back to the French colonization of Morocco. In polite Moroccan society, ladies, such as the host, her daughters or the servants, were asked to perform dances to amuse the guests who had been invited for tea.
French colonialist families adopted this idea, and a gentle waltz around the tea table during afternoon tea became the fashion. The ritual then traveled from Africa to Paris, and London followed by America. The Tea dance grew in popularity during the 1920’s and 30’s.
Tea dance is part of the exhibition Paperficial on show at the gallery Craft2eu in Hamburg from 10 March until 8 May 2010.
Photography: Karin Nussbaumer
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