About
CHARM VILLA
Enjoy a charming life and a charming world in CHARM VILLA.
Founded in 2013 by creative director Su Ching-mei, CHARM VILLA is a design brand that brings craft, tea and design into everyday life. It began with a goldfish tea bag unfurling in a cup, and continues through the gifts we share and the pieces we wear and use each day.
- 2013Brand founded
- 16steps, 9 of them by hand
- 34countries with design patents for the Goldfish Tea Bag
- iF GOLDiF Design Award Gold 2015, Goldfish Tea Bag
01
Where it began
At an exhibition in Cologne, founder Su Ching-mei heard visitors to the Taiwan Pavilion call Taiwan a land of imitation. Taiwan had so many talented designers; why did it have no brands of renown?
That question became the starting point of CHARM VILLA: to bring charm to life at home and tell Taiwan's own story through design.
02
A goldfish in the cup
Design work on the goldfish tea bag began in April 2013, and a patent was filed. Fish and water belong together. In Chinese, the name of the goldfish echoes words for treasure and abundance, carrying wishes of happiness, peace, and prosperity. Launched for the Mid-Autumn Festival that year, it sold out before a launch event could be held, with orders running to the end of the year.
Each goldfish passes through 16 steps, nine of them by hand. The bag is made of food-grade non-woven fabric with no chemical adhesive, and its asymmetric fins let it unfurl and swim in hot water. Every tea used is SGS-tested.
We love tea culture, and we want a simple way to share it with the world.
Su Ching-mei, in a 2015 interview
03
International recognition
In 2014 the goldfish tea bag won the Red Dot Award for Communication Design; in March 2015, from 1,624 selected entries, it won an iF Design Award Gold.
Today the goldfish tea bag holds design patents in 34 countries and has appeared in international media such as Bored Panda and Contemporist; the brand also has a store on Teramachi in Kyoto.
04
From the cup to everyday life
From the goldfish tea bag, CHARM VILLA carries the same care into more everyday pieces: hinoki coasters, tea spoons and chopsticks; and wood-fired songbird chopstick rests, each finished by hand.
When a gift is opened and a cup is shared, beauty moves from the object into everyday life.
The pieces
- Free shipping on US$199 or moreTo the contiguous United States (48 states). Below that, shipping is calculated at checkout by address and service.
- In-stock orders ship in 1–2 business daysFrom California. Delivery typically takes an additional 3–7 business days after dispatch; no dispatch on weekends or U.S. federal holidays.
- 30-day returns on non-tea itemsTea is a food product and is not returnable; report damage or errors within 7 days.
- Email us@charmvilla.comFor help choosing a gift or with an existing order.
Frequently asked questions
Read the full FAQHow is shipping calculated?
Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on your order and delivery address. You can review the available services and any applicable shipping offers before completing your purchase. Complimentary shipping on orders of US$199 or more to the contiguous United States (48 states). Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is charged separately and is not eligible for complimentary shipping; at launch, we do not ship to APO/FPO/DPO addresses.
How long does delivery take?
Orders ship from California. In-stock orders ship within 1–2 business days. Delivery typically takes an additional 3–7 business days after dispatch. We do not dispatch orders on weekends or U.S. federal holidays. Pre-order items ship on the schedule shown on their product pages, expected by the end of November 2026. Christmas order deadline: for delivery before Christmas to the contiguous 48 states, please order by December 15, 2026. Delivery times to Alaska and Hawaii must be confirmed separately, and this deadline does not apply to them. Available shipping options are shown at checkout, and we will send a tracking link once your order ships.
Do you have a physical store?
Our US store is online. For CHARMVILLA locations in Taiwan and Japan, see Stores in Taiwan & Japan on our home page.
I am new to Charm Villa. Which teas do you recommend?
Rose Oolong offers floral fragrance, Ruby Black Tea has natural notes of cinnamon and mint, and Oriental Beauty has honeyed and fruity notes. Choose the profile you enjoy, or explore an assortment to find a favorite.
Can the tea bags be re-steeped?
Yes, our tea bags can be re-steeped. For the best experience, we recommend following our brewing instructions and enjoying the first infusion at its peak of flavor and aroma.
Do you offer corporate gifting or bulk order services?
We would be happy to help with gifts for colleagues, clients, celebrations, or events. Please contact us at least one month before your preferred date for large or customized orders, with the quantity and products you have in mind.