Tea strainer

Strainers usually fit into the top of the cup to catch the leaves as the tea is poured.

Despite the fact that tea strainer use has declined in the 20th century with mass production of the tea bag, it is still preferred among connoisseurs, who claim that keeping the leaves packed in a bag, rather than freely circulating, inhibits diffusion.

Tea strainers themselves have often been turned into artistic masterpieces of the silver- and goldsmith's craft, as well as rarer specimens of fine porcelain.

Tea strainers or a similar small sieve may also be used by patients trying to pass a kidney stone.

[2] The patient urinates through the strainer, thereby ensuring that, if a stone is passed, it will be caught for evaluation and diagnosis.