Tea c. 1890

Mary Cassatt crafted this print, Tea, using drypoint and aquatint. Here, a tea set sits prominently on the table, a symbol deeply rooted in domestic ritual and social exchange. The act of sharing tea extends beyond mere sustenance; it's a performance of manners, a stage for social interaction, and a quiet display of civilized life. Consider the fan held by the seated woman; it evokes a complex language of courtship and discretion seen across cultures. In ancient Japan, the fan was not merely an accessory but a tool for communication, where subtle movements conveyed messages unspoken. In Western society, the fan's symbolism evolved, yet it remained an emblem of elegance, mystery, and a means of veiled expression. The setting is a potent psychological space, where unspoken dialogues play out amidst porcelain and polite smiles, echoing motifs of veiled communication that have resonated throughout art history.