Classic Atay Silver Teapot – Wide-Shouldered, Hand-Engraved

The classic atay silver teapot is the canonical Moroccan mint-tea vessel — a wide-shouldered silhouette with a low centre of gravity that has graced tea trays from Marrakech to Fès for generations. Hand-engraved by artisan Kamal in his Marrakech medina workshop, this silver-plated brass teapot reproduces the traditional atay proportions unchanged: broad shoulder, narrow waist, rounded spout, and the distinctive two-tier bell dome lid topped with a ball finial.

The Atay Form

The proportions — wide shoulder, narrow waist, low centre of gravity — are the traditional Moroccan mint tea teapot form in continuous use since the 19th century. This is the purest expression of that form in the silver range: the wide-shouldered classic atay silhouette, instantly recognisable on any tea tray.

Two-Tier Bell Dome Lid

The lid rises in two tiers — a wider lower dome and a narrower upper bell — finished with a ball finial. This two-stage lid form is specific to the traditional atay teapot and distinguishes it from taller, globe-shaped, or footed designs.

Hand-Engraved Floral Arabesque

A continuous band of hand-engraved circular medallions and floral scrollwork wraps the lower body. Each line is cut by hand into the silver-plated brass surface — no stamps, no machine engraving. The close-up detail reveals Moroccan arabesque motifs that catch light from every angle. The hand-engraved silver surface is the defining decorative technique of this teapot, and the work is carried out entirely by hand using traditional naqsh-style metalworking tools.

Kamal works in the Marrakech medina, where he engraves silver-plated brass teapots and trays using traditional naqsh hand-engraving techniques passed down through generations of Marrakech metalwork artisans. The circular medallions and floral scrollwork on this teapot follow Moroccan arabesque patterns that have shaped the city’s decorative metalwork tradition for centuries.

Three Capacities

• Medium (6 servings) — 650 ml / 22 oz
• Large (8 servings) — 850 ml / 29 oz
• Extra Large (12 servings) — 1.3 L / 45 oz

A built-in spout strainer catches loose mint leaves as you pour. The teapot is food-contact safe, lead-free, and non-toxic — suitable for everyday Moroccan tea service.

Styling & Occasions

On a marble-topped tea trolley or a courtyard zellige table, this wide-shouldered classic atay teapot serves as both a functional brewing vessel and a display piece for a traditional tea station. For a host building a Moroccan tea service, it pairs naturally with hand-blown tea glasses and a silver-plated tray — a classic atay tea service gift that honours the ritual described in our guide to the Moroccan tea ceremony.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water and mild soap, then dry promptly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and tarnish. Avoid abrasive cleaners and do not place in the dishwasher. For full guidance on keeping silver-plated brass in condition, see our teapot care guide.

Complete the Moroccan tea service: pair this teapot with a complete tea set including beldi glasses and a serving tray, or choose individual beldi tea glasses and a hand-engraved serving tray separately.

Each teapot weighs approximately 1 kg (2.2 lb) and ships from Marrakech. For trade buyers sourcing silver-plated brass teapots in volume, Marrakeche Crafts offers a wholesale Moroccan products programme with tiered pricing.