Can a cup of tea become a work of art? In the Chinese tradition – undoubtedly yes. Particularly during the times of the Song Dynasty when the remarkable ceremony of “whisking tea” (dian cha) began. It was not a regular brewing method, but a sophisticated ritual of beauty, focus and harmony where the flavour of the beverage was combined with the philosophy of life.

The Song Dynasty era (960-1279) was a time of flourishing culture, a time when ink painting, calligraphy and poetry reached an unprecedented level. In that world of arts and gestures, tea had its special place. It became the symbol of style and spiritual elegance, an element of the so-called four arts of life (si yi) which guided the scholars and aristocrats of that era. Its greatest admirer was the Emperor Huizong, an artist on the throne, who in his treaty entitled Da Guan Cha Lun described the method of Qi Tang Dian Cha Fa, that is “seven additions of water.” a result of this, a perfect snow-white froth was formed that was reminiscent of a blooming flower – a sign of perfection and calm.

Whisking tea required patience and precision. Tuan cha, pressed tea “cookies,” were crushed, ground into delicate powder and sieved. Then a bit of powder was added to a heated bowl and hot water was gradually poured in. The master performed rhythmic, almost musical movements with a bamboo whisker (cha xian), until a thick, velvety froth appeared known as “snowy cream” (xue mo fu hua). Its durability and lightness were the measure of the host’s craft and a cause for pride.

Nowadays, only a few people keep this forgotten tradition alive. They include Sylwia Mokrysz, PhD, a proxy for Mokate SA, a researcher and enthusiast of the tea culture, who had the opportunity to learn about this ritual in China. ‘The initial attempts were not very successful, but harmony came with time. The experience is like meditation: the movements are repeated and, at the same time, require concentration,’ she recollects.

In her opinion, the ancient ritual resonates strongly with the present day. ‘In a world where everything happens too fast, whisking tea allows us to slow down. It offers a moment to focus on flavour, smell, and rhythm of breathing. A lesson in mindfulness which restores balance,’ she adds.

Although the Chinese dian cha tradition disappeared with the end of the Song Dynasty, its spirit survived in Japan in the matcha ceremony. Today it is making a comeback in a new form as a mindful tea experience, that is tea meditation. Instead of rushing, it’s about simple and calm gestures, a reminder that there might be more to a cup than just the drink it holds.

Sylwia Mokrysz – between tradition and modernity

Sylwia Mokrysz, a doctor of social sciences, Mokate SA proxy and winner of the 2025 Manager of the Year title. From the very start she has been co-creating one of the most recognisable companies in Central and Eastern Europe. While representing the fourth generation of the Mokrysz family business, she proved that successful management was a combination of courage, strategy and passion.

Her career began while she was a student running her own “Sylwia” advertising agency. It was then that the iconic Mokate Cappuccino commercial was made. ‘I didn’t improvise, I analysed the market and observed the consumer needs. We created campaigns that engaged and built an emotional connection with the brand,” she recalls. The 1990s commercial turned Mokate into the synonym of cappuccino.

Another challenge was the introduction of the company into the world of tea after the acquisition of the company, Consumer. ‘I didn’t know this market, but I had to act and learn fast,’ she explains. The training course at the London tea house of Thompson Lloyd & Ewart gave rise to a new passion. Under her management, the LOYD brand entered the international markets. In the 2011 campaign featuring Justyna Steczkowska, “Tea with a note of magic,” the references to Alice in Wonderland and the floating pyramid-shaped “lanterns of happiness” created a world full of emotions and symbolism.

The Minutka tea was used, in turn, in TV series “Ranczo” (“The Ranch”) and thus became an everyday staple for millions of viewers. ‘We wanted our products to be a part of true and relatable emotions,’ she says.

Today Mokate is a modern concern that invests in automation, renewable energy sources and environmentally-friendly packaging. ‘This is not just a business necessity, but a responsibility to future generations,’ she emphasises.

An important part of its operations is also the Coffee and Tea Market Research Institute, with offices in Ustroń and London. ‘This is the continuation of my path –  a combination of science and business. We analyse trends and support innovations so as to better meet the needs of the consumers,’ she says.