The Exotic Teapot

For centuries tea has entered the political arena hence impacting societies, prosperity and traditions around the world.  In 1391 the Ming Dynasty in China ruled that loose teas were to be honoured by the courts instead of tea bricks.  In 1773 a historical event in the soon to be USA occurred, rebuking taxation of tea from the British Parliament. This was instrumental to the American Revolution.  Today, if using a US search engine such as Google.com then typing in tea party over 72,500 links appear, with the first page and many more associated with the current political movement called the tea party.  These are just two nations’ examples.  The history of tea and its benefits indicate what a precious commodity it truly is.   

It’s no wonder that the jasmine flower is revered by tea drinkers.  It's bloom is one of the most fragrant of all natural living plants.  Jasmine is used in most perfumes and its extract in many aromatherapy oils.  This midnight blooming flower has been referenced around the world for centuries in a multitude of lyrics and poetry.  Research has shown it calms the nervous system, helps PMS and aids insomnia.  What’s more, legend has it that it is an aphrodisiac.

Artist Ursula Hargens believes flowers communicate newness, animation and flamboyance.  Perhaps growing up in Nova Scotia, where four overtly identifiable seasons occur, exposed Ursula to the glory of annuals and perennials native to her homeland.  Ursula’s teapots, cups and platters dance with an array of colourful blooms, all of which have an oriental undertone. She hopes that the clear, crisp form of the vessels allows the flowers to speak volumes. 

For 35 years Cynthia Shuhy has been an acclaimed hunter and jumper at local horse shows.  Her passion for displaying skill continues at her upscale antique and gift shop where she selects each piece to show.  Cynthia’s business has been in operation for a quarter of a century.  Her attention to detail is obviously what has allowed her to exceed.  These porcelain floral teapots are a few of her pieces that demonstrate the appreciation for ostentatious presentation.

How many use artsy teapots for decoration?  Hand blown glass teapots with blooming tea are used for centerpieces at dinner parties.   Collectible silversmith and ceramic pots are strategically placed on well- lit shelves for display.  And, when the lids break teapots become flower vases.  Decorating bare walls with one-dimensional teapots are often forgotten.  There are many artistic painters out there such as Carolyn Pappas that appreciate the shape of teapots as ceramic artists do.  Additionally a pot of tea contains water, the same source as a still life painting with watercolours.  Also, some use tea to stain the paper in which a teapot is painted. 

Any day of the year is prime time for displaying flowers.  Research dating back to 1938 has shown that blooming flowers and dried petals emit an aroma and visual calming effect for humans.  One of the most notable studies is referred to as the Bach system.  One physician using this treatment said “the strength of flower therapy lies in the normalization of psychic disruptions and the resolution of inner conflicts.”  This combined with the many health advantages of drinking tea is a winning combination for a party, as photographer Lauren Rubenstein has shown.

Using an exotic teapot is one sure way to impress guests at a dinner party.  Additionally, there are other simple serving techniques that will surprise your company: 

·In lieu of spoons, place cinnamon sticks in each cup of black tea;

·Freeze rose buds in ice cube trays then add to chilled tea;

·Add infused lemon balm or lemon verbena to tea.  Place lemon zests around saucer to accentuate;

·Use a flowering tea in a clear glass teapot so your guests can watch the flower bloom right before their eyes.

We just received the first batch of 2010 Spring teas and in particular our full range of flowering teas. It's the culmination of a few hard weeks of traveling through India and China to visit our tea masters and teaware producer. Despite an inevitable shortage of premium tea this year, we think we've managed to secure some very high quality tea. We hope our customers enjoy tasting our fresh 2010 spring tea as much as we have. You can read more about our trip here.

There are many reasons to select tea and associated wares as a gift set.  The gift card to the recipient(s) and the chosen items in the set can easily be catered to his/her personality.  Here are just three of many options when personalizing a gift set.

1. For the health conscious friend gift card:  You are what you drink (include green, white or herbal teas)
2. For the one that schedules too many activities:  There is always time for tea (include single mug infuser)
3. For the optimist card:  With this gift, each day will blossom (include clear glass teapot with flowering tea)

There is an art to displaying your favorite masterpiece on the wall.  Its surroundings make all the difference in how it is appreciated.  I have found the same for blossoming teas.  First, you would not buy a painting that is musty and crinkled; therefore, only buy flowering teas that are individually wrapped and not crammed in a tin.  Second, be sure there is ample space to visualize the work of art:  the teapot needs to be large enough for the flower to fully bloom.  Third, lighting is what adds drama or draws attention: place blossoming tea in a clear glass teapot, preferably with a votive tea-lit candle below the pot.  The advantage of blossoming tea masterpieces are that you can experience many and never spend what you would on an original oil painting.