In a quiet corner of Shanghai’s Tianzifang, away from the streams of visitors passing only metres away, we came across a little painted world that seems to operate according to its own rules.

At its centre is a pool of steaming tea. Lotus petals float on the surface while green swirls suggest jasmine, perhaps oolong, perhaps something else entirely. A teacup tips its contents straight back into the source, creating a perfect little loop: what leaves simply returns.

Around it, a miniature shan shui landscape unfolds. Small bridges, gentle hills and a child suspended almost weightlessly give the scene the logic of a dream. And then, in one corner, a little cat watches everything happen, bringing this imaginary world quietly back down to the street.

It is playful, peaceful and just strange enough to make you stay.

When translated into textiles, that little universe opens up. Tea, lotus petals, hills, bridges, child and cat drift across the fabric, allowing you to discover the scene piece by piece rather than all at once. A tiny dream hidden in Tianzifang, now given much more room to wander.