The mystery object.

Waldorf: What is it Statler?

Statler:    Its a primitive implement that was used long ago when they had things like families. You poured hot water into it to scald it. Then you put a spoonful of tea leaves into it for each person and one for the teapot and then poured in an amount of the boiling water for each cup.

Waldorf: What happened then?

Statler: Then everyone used to sit around and talk to each other.