Materials used for lid rests (futaoki) in Chinese tea and tea ceremony utensils include "bamboo," "ceramics," "brass," and "copper."
Bamboo is lightweight, but requires care to prevent mold from long-term exposure to moisture and cracking from dryness. Ceramics allow you to enjoy beautiful glazes, but carry the risk of breakage if dropped. Metal (brass and copper) does not break in the same way as ceramics, but requires care to avoid dents or deformations from strong impacts.
The lid of a teapot (kyusu) becomes very hot immediately after pouring boiling water. In this article, we compare the physical properties and tabletop usability of each material, and introduce the features of three copper lid rest works from SEKIMONO.
1. Comparison Table of Lid Rest Materials
| Material | Appearance/Texture | Characteristics/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bamboo (green, white, etc.) | Rustic and natural texture | Affordable. Prone to mold if left with water droplets; be careful of cracking due to dryness |
| Ceramics (white porcelain, blue-and-white, etc.) | Smooth glaze and expressive hand-painting | Heat-resistant and washable. Brittle nature prone to chipping or cracking upon impact |
| Brass | Golden brilliance and metallic luster | Highly workable and hard. Susceptible to oxidative discoloration from skin oils and moisture |
| Copper (SEKIMONO, etc.) | Subdued antique finish and shadows | Resistant to ceramic-like breakage, though care is needed to avoid dents or deformation from strong impacts |
2. Specifications and Design of Copper Lid Rests
Compact cylindrical shape (φ53 × H20mm)
A lid rest is a tea utensil used to temporarily place the teapot lid during the tea preparation process. All three SEKIMONO copper lid rest works measure approximately φ53 × H20mm.
Hand-finished and surface-patinated
SEKIMONO lid rests are hand-finished and surface-patinated at our partner workshop in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. For daily maintenance, we recommend wiping off water droplets with a soft cloth and buffing dry after use.
3. Specifications of the 3 SEKIMONO Copper Lid Rest Works (All $59 )
| Work Name | Price | Dimensions | Design Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Thought | $59 | Approx. φ53 × H20 mm | Small 3D silhouette |
| Auspicious Lion (Lion) | $59 | Approx. φ53 × H20 mm | 3D sculpture reminiscent of a lion |
| Buddha Hand | $59 | Approx. φ53 × H20 mm | Design inspired by a Buddha hand |
* Details on the designs and dimensions of the works are also explained in our Lid Rest Selection & Size Comparison Guide.
View Copper Lid Rest Collection
Check photos, specifications, and availability for all 3 works.
To Lid Rest CollectionFor more on the pricing structure and design comparisons of the three SEKIMONO lid rests, please see the Copper Lid Rest Pricing and Selection Guide.
