Michael Plant wrote:
> It's a great question, and my answer is this: You
> develop a relationship with a teapot, most of
> which are imperfect in some way, as you would
> develop a relationship with other bits of this
> imperfect world. The specific answer to the
> spout question: You need to decide if you
> like the pot, and if you do, what tea this pot
> would like to make. The flaw is not serious
> with all teas. A painfully slow pour is a far
> more serious flaw since it ruins the steep
> time, but you can compensate even for that
> by shortening the steep time. In other words,
> the flaws and you work together to produce
> the brew. Anyway, that's my personal
> opinion on the matter. Cut the pot some
> slack. That's the spirit. Most likely you can
> learn more about brewing tea from a flawed
> than from a perfect pot, if such a thing ever
> should be.
>
> Michael

Couldn't possibly agree more. The reality is that the majority of
teapots are "imperfect" in some way, and that is the character of a
hand made product. To only use and buy "perfect" teapots is a bit
pretentious and against the true nature of tea in my opinion. Good tea
is not made from only the best equipment and the best leaf, good tea is
much more than that.

Sure some basic, time-tested, design standards make sense and help, but
beyond that it just doesn't matter.

- Dominic