Teapot warmer similar to those used on TU DO

Date1995-1997

Object number00031105

NameTea cosy

MediumPlastic, foam, plant fibre (reeds), newspaper

DimensionsOverall: 180 x 210 x 210 mm, 0.35 kg
Display Dimensions: 175 mm

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionWoven plastic basket to keep teapots warm. Purchased in Vietnam in 1997 to interpret the Vietnamese refugee vessel TU DO. The exterior of the basket is made of woven multicoloured plastic threads and the interior is lined with newspaper, reeds and an insulating substance covered in texile.HistoryThe Australian National Maritime Museum has a Vietnamese refugee boat called TU DO (VNKG1062ADC) in its collection which brought 31 passengers from Kien Giang Province to Australia in November 1977. The refugees left Vietnam with few possessions making it difficult to tell their story. To rectify this Australian Museum National Maritime Museum curator Helen Trepa and Tan Thanh Lu, the builder and captain of TU DO, travelled to Vietnam in 1997 to seek out and purchase a collection of items that would bring the voyage to life. In this they were assisted by Hung Nguyen, a friend of Mr Lu who helped him prepare his escape. They selected items that were typical of those used on TU DO in 1977 mainly dealing with sleeping, fishing and cooking. Whenever possible second hand items from the 1970s were purchased to better reflect the era. Items unavailable second hand were purchased new. These items represent the communal life on board TU DO and provide insight into Mr Lu's preparations for the escape.