Dim Sum in Bamboo Baskets

Bamboo steamers cover a wooden table, each holding a different arrangement of dim sum. Pale buns share the display with translucent wrappers, yellow open-topped dumplings and tightly pleated parcels. Sauce dishes, chopsticks and blue-patterned teaware fill the spaces between the baskets. Warm light brings out the bamboo rims without obscuring the folds of the wrappers.

Basket rims are the strongest guides because their circles overlap at several heights. Dumpling pleats give each group its own rhythm, from soft buns to folded green-filled pieces. Sauce bowls add dark red pools that stand apart from the pale food. Porcelain patterns, chopstick angles and woven lids help place the outer sections of the table.