The culture of tea drinking is one that is deeply entrenched in the everyday lives of Chinese people. The beverage is not just popular in China, however. Data from the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organisation describes it as the most consumed drink in the world.

Given the popularity of tea, it is hardly surprising to see the market inundated with tea related products. Yet, as an enterprising Chinese manufacturer and a team of Japanese designers prove, there is still room for innovation.

Chinese company Pertouch has recently partnered with design firm BALANCE from Japan to bring a new tea offering to the market in the form a mobile tea set that’s suitable for travelling, the workplace and the home.

The Mini Tea Set T1 – as it is called – was awarded the China Good Design award (Gold) in 2015 in recognition for its highly innovative design. According to the Pertouch team, the Mini Tea Set T1 took 60 days to design, with the team drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese garden. “The product is an elegant, simple and exquisite design with an oriental aesthetic,” says Pertouch.

The Mini Tea Set T1 is indeed mini. The entire set weighs a mere 680 grams and can be placed in a box measuring less than 0.0013 cubic metres. Upholding the idea of less is more, the product is simple in appearance, yet boasts thoughtful details and all the necessary functions to ensure the making of quality tea.

Importantly, the tea set is easy to use. The rounded teapot is suitable for both right- and left-handers; the double-layer insulated material reduces heat by approximately 40 per cent; the ultra-thin, eco-friendly heat-resistant ABS teaboard is light, solid and easy to wash; and the 15 drains speed up the process of draining.

The Mini Tea Set T1’s simple design and excellent user experience won the favour of the China Good Design judges back in 2015. Jury member Mårten Claesson, Co-founder of Claesson Koivisto Rune remarked, “The design of this tea set is both functional and poetic. It is the most impressive product of this year’s China Good Design award.”

Do you have an innovative product you would like to share with the China market, and the world? Enter it into China Good Design 2016. * Final deadline is 12 August 2016.