Product Details

Description

Artisans craft this tea caddy using Laiwu tin sculpture — a traditional Chinese metalworking craft that originated in 1676 during the Qing Dynasty. During the Qianlong era, the craft reached its peak and became a tribute to the imperial court. Historical records show that when Emperor Qianlong’s daughter married into the noble family of Qufu, the wedding tinware came from Laiwu. In 2008, Laiwu tin sculpture joined the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.

99.9% Pure Tin — The Finest Material for Tea Storage

Laiwu tin sculpture uses tin with a purity of 99.9%. The metal contains no additives, preserving its natural properties as a green metal. The finished piece is “silver in color, mirror-bright in finish, and bell-clear in sound” — a standard that has remained unchanged for over three hundred years.

Tin is the ideal material for tea storage. It is non-toxic, does not oxidize or discolor easily, and has no metallic odor. A pure tin tea caddy keeps tea leaves fresh, preserves their aroma, and prevents flavor loss. These qualities have made it the preferred choice for tea storage for centuries.

The Craft — Twelve Essential Steps

The creation of a Laiwu tin sculpture involves twelve essential steps: design, material melting, sheet making, cutting, trimming, rough shaping, welding, filing, modeling, spinning, engraving, and fine polishing. The carving techniques draw from wood carving and stone carving. They also incorporate the unique “pull welding” and “stack welding” techniques developed specifically for metal.

Airtight Seal — Designed for Freshness

The precision-fit lid creates an airtight seal. It locks in the natural aroma of your tea leaves. It also keeps moisture and external odors out. This 9cm diameter, 11.5cm height caddy holds approximately 100-150g of loose leaf tea, making it ideal for daily use.

Crafted Collection — Quality Made Accessible

Skilled artisans create this piece under the guidance of master craftspeople. Each piece maintains the highest standards of quality. It also remains accessible in both price and production time. This caddy is built to last for generations. It carries the warmth of the artisan’s hand and the richness of a centuries-old tradition.

Why This Piece Matters:

• 100% handmade — artisans shape and engrave it using traditional techniques

• 99.9% pure tin — the finest material for tea storage, preserving aroma and freshness

• Airtight seal — keeps tea leaves fresh and protected from moisture

• National intangible cultural heritage — a living piece of Chinese craft history

• Crafted Collection — quality craftsmanship at an accessible price point

• Perfect size — 9cm diameter, 11.5cm height, ideal for daily tea storage

Ordering & Delivery Policy

Each piece is made by hand. Please allow 2-3 days for dispatch. For out-of-stock items, production takes approximately 60 days. We will keep you updated on the progress. Custom orders are welcome — contact us for a quote. For full details, please refer to our Ordering & Delivery Policy below.