This intricate tea set reproduces the mastery of the Qing Dynasty with its wide range of colours and skillfulness of decoration. It features the popular motif of birds and flowers, often seen in Chinese artwork. The flower is a peony, associated with riches and honour as well as love and affection. A lidded bowl called a gaiwan is used for brewing the tea instead of a tea pot. Many tea connoisseurs favour this method for tasting green and white tea. The jug is then used to distribute the tea amongst the eight tiny tea cups.