Cultural storiesGuangxi, Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County; also Hunan, northern Guangdong and Guizhou

Boyok.

Makes oil tea and invites guests to taste the additions separately first.

Explore the looks

07 looksGongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

Look 01Original outfit

The story / Boyok

The character’s story

In the evening, he calmly lays out everything needed for the following morning.

Cultural context

Yao

Sources3

Boyok / Collection

The looks07

01 Look

Front

A red placket and broad woven sash brighten the indigo outfit. A bowl of Gongcheng oil tea is paired with a small basket of snacks.

Gongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

02 Look

Front

A loose terracotta shirt with a side fastening and wide pale trousers create the home silhouette. A small indigo pocket with red embroidery adds colour beside the bowl of oil tea.

Gongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

03 Look

Front

A cobalt jacket with geometric cuff embroidery is paired with a narrow burgundy sash and loose dark trousers. The paws hold a small teapot.

Gongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

04 Look

Front

This original groom look draws on Lianshan Yao clothing: a long black shirt with paired fastenings and coloured edging. Two cups of tea rest on the tray held in the paws.

Gongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

05 Look

Front

A red head wrap echoes the embroidered front panel of the flared dark top. Broad cuffs and wrapped lower legs complete the silhouette, with a wooden oil-tea mortar secured at the hip.

Gongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

06 Look

Front

Pale paired fastenings, plum sleeve bands and an embroidered sash detail the long black garment. A wrapped tea gift is supported by the forearm and a sling.

Gongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

E01 Look

Front

Boyok checks the soaked tea leaves, ginger and garlic in a small iron pan. There is a quiet moment before heating: one paw holds the wooden handle, while the other holds a bent wooden tea pounder, its blunt end resting among the leaves. A quilted pad on the apron supports the pan at the waist.

Gongcheng oil tea: processed tea leaves, ginger, crisp rice additions and peanuts.

00 / Original form

Character starts with form.

One short wooden mallet-like growth belongs to the broad ochre head itself. Black oval eyes give the mouthless face its expression.