Tea Pot and Five Cups
Tea pot and five cups, late 20th century AD, Brass
This is a traditional type of Arab tea service composed of a pot and five cups. Brass is frequently used in the Arab world for vessels which have a special function. The lid of the pot is attached to the handle by a hinge. The pot and cups have a simple engraved design of a geometric style, which is characteristic of the Arab tradition. Such a tradition is influenced by the Islamic restriction on the representation of living beings as images. This tradition was generally followed by Arab peoples, including Maronite Christians, in some of their art. Such tea services are used frequently for drinking tea in the village, which is a central part of the social culture of the life of the village.