The tea strainer comes in the form of a bird in a birdcage. It was inspired by the social tradition, deeply rooted in Chinese history, with bird-fanciers taking their pet birds in exquisite birdcage to tea as a past-time. The whole object, highly crafted, is an art display in itself. It also combines the elegant lifestyle of the elites in history with the pleasurable tea drinking experience enjoyed by individuals in everyday life. Tea drinking to me is not simply a daily habit. It is social, cultural and historical. It is an all-round sensory experience to both the body and mind. The “Tea Matter” tea strainer and tea caddy are the first very items I designed for Alessi. It is created to bring alive the tea drinking experience. Alan Chan