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.   

Imagine attending a party full of brainless ladies holding cups that have fingers and saucers that appear to have the ability to walk off the table.  The concept and sculpture is that of Ronit Baranga’s, created for his solo exhibition “Shells of Wings”.  Additionally, Baranga received honorable mention in the designbloom® “dining in 2015” competition for crafting finger walking teapots, cups and saucers.  Has the Mad Hatter Tea Party theme met its match?

I stumbled across a fun quiz to test one’s knowledgeof tea etiquette.  Thus far, the average score is 42.5/100.  Less than 3% of testers passed the test.  These are the easier True/False questions:

1.      If serving tea at a tea party or high tea, lemons should always be in wedges, not in slices.

2.      If you are at a formal tea party, it is proper to keep your gloves on while drinking tea.

3.      Traditionally a tea cup holds 6 ounces.

4.      It is proper etiquette to hold your pinky in the air while bringing your teacup to your mouth for a sip.

The quiz can be found at:

http://www.quizmoz.com/quizzes/General-Etiquette-Quizzes/t/Tea-Etiquette-Quiz.asp

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.

Looking for something to do on a quiet evening with family, friends or children?  A collector friend of mind suggested a party playing vintage tea board games.  Just how many of these games exist?  Actually there are quite a few.  There is the 1920’s Alice in Wonderland game; the 1973 version in which the first to overflow other player’s cups with sugar, water and tea is the winner.  And, for the younger ones there are “the teapot game” and “Tea Party Game.” Of course plenty of tea and biscuits are required.

The origin of this adorable crocheted tea set is unknown.  However, those with stitching skills are sure to be inspired.  Those of us lacking the ability are most likely in awe at its detailing.  If a tea party theme is in question for the host or hostess, consider asking a friend with these skills to create something similar for your own table decoration.  Instead of the adage “tickled pink” why not use a “tickled purple tea party” theme?  Have guests wear their favorite purple clothing and make purple tea party hats as an activity.

Karin Taylor is a self-taught vibrant illustrator living in Australia.  She has drawn a series of fantasy-like drawings with her geisha girl character.  While visiting her parents who have created and nurtured an outdoor topiary of a teapot and sugar bowl, Karin came up with the idea of her character admiring a garden grown teapot spouting tea.  Karin’s drawings, available in greeting cards and on canvas, are giclee prints.  This is a process that squirts the various inks onto the median; similar to an inkjet printer but far more advanced in precision and longevity.

Everyone loves tea at Christmas!