Lacquerware Teacup

Vido clip shows a craftsman in a lacquerware, or "yun-de", workshop in Monywa making a teacup out of thin bamboo strips. Once the cup is made by tightly winding the bamboo, the whole thing is covered with lacquer.

These cups are amazing. The wound bamboo is water tight, extremely light, and an incredible insulator. Tea stays hot, but cup doesn't feel hot in your hand. I purchased one of these for about $5.00, and it has become part of my travel tea kit (shown below). [NOTE: Snowing like crazy in New York this morning].