A Tea Addict's Journal

The out of box experience

May 12, 2011 · 13 Comments

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This is a pair of teapots I bought more than a year ago, but because I was traveling for much of the summer, the box was never opened and remained in the attic until a few days ago, when I dug it out and opened it in anticipation of my move back to Hong Kong.  I must say that opening it is quite a thrill — not least because I feel like I bought something recently, but since I paid for it so long ago, it’s as if I bought something anew.  The pair of pots are obviously well loved, one a little more than the other.  They are small, and are of exactly the style that I prefer – rustic, simple, and functional.  A little cleaning and they will be good as new, and ready for use.  Until I finish moving though, back in the boxes they go.

The lens cap gives you a good idea how big (or, rather, small) they are.

Categories: Objects
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13 responses so far ↓

  • Su Ming Ng // May 12, 2011 at 11:34 pm | Reply

    2 cups ? 3 cups?

  • Toki // May 13, 2011 at 9:42 am | Reply

    Speechless…. They are perfect! Wait a minute… sup with the moving back to Asia thang!
    ~ Toki

  • Chris // May 13, 2011 at 11:32 am | Reply

    Can we know more about these beauties? Where do they come from?

  • Merrisue // May 13, 2011 at 6:30 pm | Reply

    Wow these are perfect I agree with you simple and functional is the best way to go. And the way you pictured them I really felt like I was right there with you as you opened them. Thank You for sharing this treasure.

  • Andrew // May 17, 2011 at 8:19 am | Reply

    You’re too modest, Mr Marshall.
    If this was anyone else talking, it would be two ancient Qing-dynasty handmade wood-fired high-grade zini pots, or something similar, anyway.
    Actually, I was wondering: just how difficult would it be to such things in Hong Kong or Taiwan? Would every couple of stores have some nice old pots, or is it much more difficult to find them?

    • MarshalN // May 18, 2011 at 12:29 am | Reply

      The chance of you running into something like this is pretty low. I’ve never seen anybody in Hong Kong carry items like this. In Taiwan you might have more luck, but usually the taste is towards items that are much more “refined”, which, incidentally, also means a lot more fakes. So, buyer beware, as always.

  • gingko // May 20, 2011 at 11:54 am | Reply

    By moving, do you mean moving back and forth or moving for good?! Anyway, I think I will stay in Boston in most of July and August (and available mostly on weekends). Shall we have some “Boston tea party”? I am still looking for an apartment and hopefully I can get one that can hold a group of people! -Gingko

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