About this artwork

The diptych, Tea Drinkers of Cyana, Plate XXXVII, Might they wish us well? represents a Cyana and her Dragon, linked via the cosmology of the Tea Drinkers of Cyan. Each Candidate hoping to become a Cyana is seated in the neck saddle of a Common Dragon in preparation for a single flight. Returning to the ground, the Candidate has become a Tea Drinker of Cyan or a porcelain figurine.

The story of The Tea Drinkers of Cyan is told by the Confabulator, in 52 transcribed conversations with the Poet Albero, who communicates in two-word sentences. Each plate contains 167 words, minus the titles. Plates are written in cursive style on the dragon panel of each diptych. The Plates tell the story of how elderly women become Cyanae, also known as Women of Advanced Comprehensions. Although 52 plates have been written, there is only one diptych at this time. More are planned, although far fewer than fifty-two.

What benefits accrue to devotees of this cosmology is unclear. However, there is some comfort to be had in knowing transmutation can only happen to elderly women.