a Plethora of Musings & Questions mostly related to Teaware.

[Brass Mouse]

First Post.

Hello.

I suppose Brass Mouse is as good a name as any, and I am pleased to meet you.

My wife and I ventured into a Teavana (Insert Sound Effect: DUN DUN DUN!) yesterday and found it a very paradoxical place.

The first thing I noticed were more sales people than customers, in fact, the place was so filled with staff that few customers could actually fit in their little store. I did not do a head count, but there were at least 5 to 7 employees there, it FELT like there were 15... so I am not all together sure.

The second thing I noticed was how rude and stuck up and snooty a few of the employees were to my wife. My wife is a VERY avid tea drinker, but... "It's just tea." She drinks 2 to 4 cups of tea a day, mostly earl grey, english/irish breakfast Twinnings Brand. I too drink tea, but I prefer Green tea with a small dash of sugar and some pepper (I know, Im odd, please dont kill me for putting pepper in my tea!).

The Third thing I noticed was the paradox between the zen and tranquil decor and the high pressure, MAKE THE SALE, MAKE THE SALE, MAKE THE SALE NOW AND MAKE ANOTHER SALE environment... Im sure they have crazy quotas and intense high pressure.

Having worked in retail slavery before I knew better (Highschool/College) I noticed the signs right away... two or three overly aggressive "Hawks" who acted superior to the customers and the other employees, surrounded by the rest of 'broken' and 'run down' employees who outwardly seem ok, but their eyes make them look like they are beaten out back with a whip if they dont make a sale...

I was a bit astonished by the prices, I was very interested in a cast iron teapot. And the kid who helped us I actually liked... in spite of the 'by the book' corporate crap that spewed out of his mouth.

I kinda laughed a bit at a few things, especially when he stacked 3 coasters on top of each other ($12 each) and two cups ($12 each) for each 'setting' I asked him why two cups he said that cast iron cups got really really hot so they use two cups... when I suggested not using cast iron cups he looked like I kicked his dog and that was when I noticed the broken look in his eyes as he looked back toward what I assume was his manager. Poor kid.

It amazed me how much "Extra" general crap they put on their 'demonstration tray' or whatever it was called... like I said, 3 coasters, 2 cups x 4 place settings, a warming trivet and the pot, and a whole bunch of other stuff I didnt 'get'... maybe Im just too simplistic.

After the 'supervisors' or whoever it was was so rude and pushy toward my wife we left without buying anything. I rarely purchase on 'whim' but when I do spend money I buy nice stuff. In contrast to many of my generation, I buy Quality instead of Quantity... and pay attention to where every dollar of my money goes.

Anyhow, we did not purchase anything. We didnt 'fall in love' with anything either, but my wife really really liked the idea of sitting down and having a 'quiet' tea time with me. She has asked me for some sort of tea set for Christmas this year...

First thing I looked at was Amazon.com I found quite a few pots I liked... then I came across this: "Proposition 65 warning." Warning about lead content in the pots... Lead is a bad thing, even in small quantities, and it builds up. One of the reasons I wont buy anything 'food/drink' related from China, ever. Brands like Kafuh and Old Dutch both have this warning on them, I guess from the ceramic glaze on the inside?

So in doing some research online I come here and find this thread: http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=7509

Which confirms my suspicions about their company culture, top down, PRESSURE from the top squeezes the life and soul out of everyone and the customers can feel it. How has this become the model?

Anyhow, I am wary of purchasing from Amazon (Despite their prices being 1/3rd of Teavana's) due to the lead content.

After reading here and my experience in their store, I am wary of purchasing from Teavana at all due to their high pressure sales and high and mighty attitude.

So my questions are as follows:

#1: What is with the "Lead Warning" on seemingly 'name brand' teapots on Amazon?

#2: Where can I buy visually appealing teaware that has no lead and isnt made in china?

#3: Should I just give in and buy what I want from Teavana, and buy accessories and tea elseware?

For Reference, here is what I am considering purchasing at Teavana:


http://www.teavana.com/tea-products/tea ... ron-teapot


http://www.teavana.com/tea-products/tea ... ic-tea-cup

Im sure this is longer than most first posts, but maybe someone will read it and give me a bit of guidance. Thank You for your time.

Brass Mouse

[DarkenedSun]

Wanted to say hi and welcome. I know there are other places to look for the kind of teapot you are looking for. Tetsubin like that are Japanese in origin I think so if you get an authentic Japanese one one, you won't have your made-in-China problem. I can't offer much suggestion on where to buy them but I'm sure other TC'ers can.

[Drax]

#2: Where can I buy visually appealing teaware that has no lead and isnt made in china?

Welcome! And thanks for the musings (hearing horror stories about Teavana is sort of like watching an accident scene... so terrible, but can't look away...)

In any case, I'm sure you'll have people chiming in on lots of places to check for teaware. The crowd here certain knows plenty of places!

I will echo DarkenedSun's comments about looking at Japanese teaware. Of course, it will depend on what you think is "visually appealing," as some styles of Japanese teaware can be quite... rugged.

Try looking here at Artistic Nippon. They have a wide variety of teaware, although the prices will be much higher (being usually smaller-run artisan ware). But that will also give you a good sample of the wide variety of Japanese ware...

[TomVerlain]

re lead warnings .... California has warnings on everything. I think if you buy a hot dog there you get a 3000 page document where you need to sign in 5 to 6 places on each page. All kidding aside, the teaware might have the warning due to outside glaze, or just to cover themselves. Things not fit for food use need to be labled not for food use.

In any case, there are lots of sources for teaware, which the biggest neccessary question being what's it intended function. Then the question of volume. The cast iron tea pots like that at teavana are for brewing, not boiling water. And they may not be best for brewing Earl Gray or Green w/ S+P.

Glass is a material that has some advantages - you can see what's brewing, is inert, can be used with boiling water safely, easy to clean, etc.

Don't dismiss china as a source. You can always get a piece tested if you are concenrned about lead content. Stuff like Purion pots are fantastic for the right type of tea.

Teaware does add enjoyment to the process of making and drinking tea. Even a simple cup may make the experience special. But let function inform the direction you seek in.

[edkrueger]

Actually Artistic Nippon prices will be much lower than Teavana's. Look at their markups.