Tea & Tales
A tea series collaboration of NStudio and Hita Tea
More than just a drink, this collection is a journey—blending flavors, history, and tradition in every sip. Each tea in this series is thoughtfully crafted by Hita Tea, using ingredients that capture the essence of its region, and wrapped in beautifully designed packaging by NStudio, narrating the rich stories of its tea culture.
Collaborator
Tea: Hita Tea. Paper: Fedrigoni Indonesia. Printing: Printograf Indonesia
Credits
Photographer: Kun Anggeristi
Art Direction, Packaging Design
WHY TEA SERIES?
We are passionate tea lovers, and tea has long been deeply embedded in Indonesian culture. The presence of classic teas in markets and stores is living proof of how tea has journeyed through generations, tracing back to our ancestors.
Beyond the tea leaves themselves, the graphic designs on tea wrappers have always sparked our curiosity. The stories and meanings behind them inspired us to embark on this project, leading us to connect with fellow tea enthusiasts at Hitatea.
Kembang Setaman
Hita Tea’s first blend, crafted in 2020, was conceived as an opening prayer for its journey. This unique composition combines two varieties of bold, astringent green tea with seven botanical elements—flowers and leaves—symbolizing a heartfelt plea for divine guidance and grace. The sum of 2 and 7 forms 9, the highest symbolic number in Javanese tradition, embodying a prayer for blessings and prosperity.
Sasmita
Just like the people of Central Java, who often communicate through gestures rather than direct speech, symbolism holds deep meaning in their culture. Sasmita, meaning “sign” or “gesture,” embodies this Javanese philosophy.
This blend is inspired by Wedang Pekak, a traditional spiced drink from Demak, with the bold essence of star anise (lawang/lawang) as its defining note, delicately wrapped in a symphony of supporting spices. The black tea is carefully roasted beforehand to enhance its depth and aroma, creating a rich and evocative experience.
Nyandeutken
The essence of this blend traces back to the roots of Nyaneut, a West Javanese tea-drinking tradition. Derived from Nyandeutkeun, meaning “to bring closer,” it embodies warmth and connection—whether shared with others or enjoyed in solitude.
Inspired by Bajigur, a signature warm beverage of Bumi Parahyangan, this blend incorporates Patrakomala, the iconic flora of Bandung. Symbolizing beauty, strength, and pride, this flower also represents grace and balance, reflecting the harmony found in every sip.
Singo Barong
A magical creature in the Reog dance, symbolizing agility and courage, also represents the notion that a leader must serve as a protector and possess the sharpness to master the three forces of human nature: cipta (thought), rasa (feeling), and karsa (will).
This blend is inspired by Es Pleret, a refreshing traditional drink from East Java, enhanced with a touch of fragrant fruits that are characteristic of the region’s tea culture.
The wrapper is meticulously crafted with an artistic pattern on the front, while the back is filled with product details, historical stories, and fascinating insights about each tea.
Designed to honor the original folding structure of classic tea packaging, it invites you to preserve it as a keepsake. Each wrapper is envisioned to be stored and framed, transforming it into a timeless piece of art.
