I
n a bustling realm of rarefied commerce, Kingston
Lam's Orchid Tea House is a tiny place of respite, even
meditation. The Showplace Antique Center, at 40 West
25th Street, is a hive of many treasures, but one is not
usually invited to use them. Not so with the Orchid. From an
alcove on the second floor, Lam serves traditional Chinese
green tea, bancha, with all its attendant ceremony. And,
if one wishes to introduce this ritual at home, Lam has an
important collection of Chinese teapots and cups from
the 17th through the 20th century to choose from.
HYLAND
