This is a traditional red tea set, used for serving tea and welcoming guests. In Tjong A Fie’s daily life, many Chinese families used this kind of tea set. When guests visited, the host would usually serve tea to welcome them, showing respect and hospitality.

In Chinese culture, the colour red symbolises good fortune, happiness and prosperity, which is why this colour is so popular. The beautiful patterns on the tea set also reflect the craftsmanship and cultural characteristics of that time.

Tjong A Fie was a successful Chinese businessman who ran a grocery store. So, tea sets were an important part of daily life. These cultural items help us understand the lifestyle of Chinese families, as well as their emphasis on etiquette, hospitality and tea-drinking traditions.

Today, people still drink tea, but most use modern tea sets. Traditional tea sets like this are now more often collected or displayed as exhibits, allowing people to learn about life in the past and Chinese culture.