japanese teapot

A Hand blown glass teapot is a unique and cost effective gift idea for housewarming, anniversaries, Mother's Day, wedding presents, or christmas. Every teapot is meticulously hand finished by experienced glass artisans.

Hand blown European tea kettle. Tea pots have a real artistic, historic and cultural value all over the world. Teapots have become great gift items. The 1st teapot originated in China in the sixteenth Century. The Japanese drank various teas, including green tea. By the eighteenth Century the teapots manufactured at Yixing, China, were being made in forms which had symbolic significances, for example, peach shape for long life and good luck, pomegranate for numerous, sound children.

Early teapots, when imported to Europe, inspired potters to respond with new variations of tea pot culture. Great Britain, being more keen on tea drinking than the rest of Europe, made the teapot their own forte.

Currently, tea drinking is making a comeback in the United States. Some say Americans are shifting from "happy hour" to "tea time." Excessive social drinking is increasingly frowned upon and, with executives facing shrinking expense budgets, the "power lunch" is being replaced by the "power tea." Herbal teas popularized during the 60s are also gaining adoption as more people try to stay away from caffeine.

Today we love an potpourri of herbal teas. Many specialized "healthy" teas are now available. Many of these are decaffeinated and organic variations of the respective tea types. A selection of tea varieties is ideal for afternoon tea or a simple tea party.

Studies with green tea in animals has shown it can repress arthritis. Green tea, already lauded for its cancer fighting ability, may also protect against certain autoimmune diseases, new research suggests. Green teas subdue the expression of antigens made by the body, substances that can trigger an immune response. EGCG, a substance found in green tea is known to suppress inflammation.
See more healthy eating, gourmet food items.

Browse our unique glass-within-glass oil and vinegar cruet decanters.

• See our selection of elegant kitchen gourmet cruets.
• Great for a birthday gift, mothers day gift, wedding present, crystal gifts,
• Christmas, housewarming and/or romantic gifts.

Video: Steve Nash gave himself a great birthday gift - Yahoo! Sports (blog)

Video: Steve Nash gave himself a great birthday gift Yahoo! Sports (blog) Milwaukee couldn't even get a shot off on the final possession, and so Nash gave himself one of the best birthday gifts possible. The basket capped off an 18-point, 11-assist night, but, more than that, it proved he's not going to slow down anytime ... and more »

Stepkids sing, 'Happy birthday to — who?' - Chicago Tribune

Stepkids sing, 'Happy birthday to — who?' Chicago Tribune When we were first married, I sent substantial cash gifts for birthdays and anniversaries. This stopped after a few years when the children didn't recognize our anniversary. The birthday gifts were replaced by only cards one year, last year were gifts ... Ask Amy: Stepkids sing, 'Happy birthday to -- who?'Dubuque Telegraph Herald all 14 news articles »

Birthday gift ideas for Jerry Buss - Los Angeles Times (blog)

Birthday gift ideas for Jerry Buss Los Angeles Times (blog) But there are a few other birthday gifts he'd surely enjoy. 1. Lakers' championship. Well, duh. Buss remains consumed with collecting Larry O'Brien trophies every year. His willingness to spend money, deference to the Lakers' front office and thirst ... and more »