In Chinese and Gongfu tea ceremonies, a "lid rest" (futaoki) is a tool used to hold the lid of a teapot or tea vessel temporarily, rather than placing it directly on the table. It is used to designate a specific place for the lid during the tea preparation process and to keep the tabletop tidy.
All three of SEKIMONO’s copper lid rests measure approximately φ53 × H20 mm. They are hand-finished and colored at our partner workshop in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China, and all three are offered at a uniform price of $59 . This article will outline the basic usage of lid rests, their technical specifications, and the differences in design between the three models.
1. Use of Lid Rests in Chinese Tea Ceremonies
- Temporary placement for the lid: Used as a stand to hold the removed lid while pouring water into the teapot or during the steeping process.
- Establishing ritual flow: Defining a fixed position for the lid during the tea preparation process helps organize the workspace on the tea table.
2. Specification Comparison Table for the 3 SEKIMONO Copper Lid Rests
| Product Name | Dimensions | Design Description | Specifications/Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Thought | Copper Teapot Lid Rest | Approx. φ53 × H20 mm | Small sculptural outline (abstract) | Copper, hand-finished, colored | $59 |
| Auspicious Lion | Copper Teapot Lid Rest | Approx. φ53 × H20 mm | Sculptural design inspired by a lion | Copper, hand-finished, colored | $59 |
| Buddha Hand | Lid Rest | Approx. φ53 × H20 mm | Design inspired by a Buddha's hand | Copper, hand-finished, colored | $59 |
3. Design Characteristics
One Thought
Features an abstract composition with a small, sculptural outline. Its design is easy to pair with minimalist tea sets.
Auspicious Lion
A three-dimensional design inspired by a lion. Features a tactile depth achieved through hand-finishing and surface coloring.
Buddha Hand
A sculptural piece featuring a design inspired by the curves of a Buddha's hand.
4. Table Placement and Daily Care
At SEKIMONO, we suggest placing the lid rest in a position that does not obstruct the natural movement of your hands while pouring tea.
Because they are made of copper, they are less likely to break than ceramics; however, strong impacts may cause dents, deformation, or scratches. After use, gently wipe away any moisture with a soft cloth and dry completely before storing.
View Lid Rest Collection
You can view the details and dimensions of all three products on our product page.
Go to Lid Rest CollectionTo compare differences between materials such as bamboo, ceramic, and brass, please see our Lid Rest Material Comparison Guide.
