Kathie, thanks so much for the explanation of the 'chops'; that is an item I will certainly seek out...and with Christmas right around the corner, what a wonderful gift idea!

Thursdays, sorry I can't help you with tea shops in that area. I'll check to see whether my local tea shop does mail order. Even though I love buying tea in Asia, I must admit I can do as well in Seattle.

Thanks Kathie (apologies for hijacking your thread, Faloola). We have a good Indian grocery store, a big Pan-Asian store (mostly Chinese) and I even found a Vietnamese store in N.Raleigh where I could buy Vietnamese coffee and the little metal gizmo for making it, but I'm striking out on tea. Whole Foods has something that might be good, but they're asking a ridiculous price for it.

What about the "3 wise men?" I bought mine in Tsimshatshui (sp?) an emporium in Kowloon. Made fr camel bone? porcelain anyway. Came with a stand as well. You can find them in China - just make sure they're well pack - best to carry as hand luggage. In HK it's pronounced "fook, look, soo" but slighly different in Mandarin

Oh! just remembered - bought a long nose teapot in Beijing. It's amusing watching them pour tea fr a distance!
I highly recommend that! I use it as a decorative ornament as I haven't mastered the art of pouring tea fr a distance! It comes in bronze/copper which needs polishing now & again.

Thursdaysd: Have you checked Southern Season? With their goods from all over the world, they may have some types of tea you're looking for. I'm sure there's a cost premium, but you wouldn't have to pay shipping charges.

ellen: good thought. Nothing on their website, but I'll take a look at the store next time I'm in Chapel Hill.