The set holds a ceramic teapot and two cups in a zipped carry case. A metal handle arches over the teapot, and its lid has a black ball knob. On the cream base, a long-tailed blue bird perches on a flowering branch among pale pink blossoms, with small gold-coloured touches along the branch. The teapot measures about 9 × 9 × 7 cm, and the set weighs about 1.1 kg.
Bird and flower, from Chinese painting
In Chinese painting, “bird and flower” has long been a genre of its own, alongside landscapes and figure painting. Painters often set their birds on a flowering fruit-tree branch, just as on this teapot. Here the bird's long blue tail feathers sweep downwards, and a smaller sprig repeats the motif on the cups. The colours are restrained, just blue and pale pink. If you prefer quieter, paler patterns, this is the one for you.
For the balcony, the garden or a day out
You can carry the case out to the balcony or the end of the garden in one hand. Inside, the teapot, lid and cups each sit in their own hollow, so they do not knock together on the way.
For a day out, bring hot water in a flask, as the ceramic teapot must not be put on a hob or fire. Many hotel rooms and holiday flats have a kettle, so all you need to pack is the set and a box of tea, and you can drink from your own teapot on holiday too.
Stored in its case at home
Between trips the set can stay in its case. It keeps free of dust in the cupboard and is already packed for your next outing.