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You may have heard horror stories about melons in Japan costing 10,000 yen (US $99), but they’re really more the exception than the rule. For their personal use, most people usually choose much cheaper varieties, and the premium stuff only gets purchased as a gift to be given on special occasions.

The price those 10,000-yen melons command has as much to do with their airbrushed centerfold-like unblemished looks as it does their flavor. Sometimes, it feels like a waste to cut them open to get to the edible parts inside, almost as though you’re destroying a piece of art that just happens to look like fruit.

Maybe that’s why someone made just that, with this melon-shaped tea pot.

The cast-iron pot measures 10 centimeters (3.9 inches) in diameter, with a height of 10 centimeters. Removing the lid and taking a peek inside reveals not succulent fruit, but a stainless steel tea strainer for brewing 370 millilitres (12.5 oz.) of tea.

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Traditional Japanese glazing techniques produce a hue just like a ripe melon.

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The unique teapot can be ordered here through the Museum of Modern Art’s online MoMA store. At 10,800 yen ($106), it isn’t any cheaper than Japan’s gift-grade produce, but unlike its organic counterparts, you can continue using the melon teapot for years to come without fear of a stomach ache.

Source: Japaaan
Images: MoMA Store