The Urban Billy tea set was sent over from Australian designer Elliat Rich, and it delights me, not only for its beautifully transparent and functional design, but also because it forced me to Google the term “Australian Billy.” (See below for one image result)

What the traditional billy did so well, the modern version retains: it brings people together for the ritual of a shared cup of tea, involving them in the timeless actions of this process. More subtly, the Urban Billy creates a moment in which they can watch the casually beautiful and fascinating transition of water from liquid to gas.

Made with five pieces of hand-formed borosilicate glass, with turned and bent mountain ash sleeves and lids, the Urban Billy is everything you need to share a cup of tea with someone. Even the spirit fuel to heat the water is housed inside.

- J.Lin