A Guide to Choosing the Right Chinese Tea Cup
YuanKevinTypes of Chinese Tea Cups
Bell-Shaped Cup
Bell-shaped cups have a shape similar to a bell, with a mouth slightly wider than the bottom. These cups are commonly used for drinking green tea and flower tea. The thin walls allow better observation of the tea liquor's color and enjoyment of the tea's aroma.
Round Mouth Cup
Round mouth cups have a wider mouth, facilitating water flow and allowing for easy observation of the tea leaves' expansion. This type of cup is often used for oolong tea and black tea, making it suitable for tasting teas with richer flavors and fully releasing the tea's fragrance.
Stemmed Cup
Stemmed cups have a high foot at the bottom, giving them an elegant appearance. These cups are commonly used for white tea and yellow tea. The high foot design helps maintain the tea liquor's temperature for a longer period while providing good visual appeal.
Tasting Cup
Tasting cups are the most common type of tea cup, with a moderate size typically used in conjunction with a gaiwan or teapot. Tasting cups are suitable for various types of tea, especially in tea ceremonies, where they allow for an even distribution of tea liquor and full appreciation of the tea's aroma.
Hat-Shaped Cup
Hat-shaped cups have a large mouth and a small bottom, resembling a traditional hat. These cups are often used for Pu-erh tea and dark tea, as the wide mouth helps dissipate heat and fully release the rich aroma of the tea.
Melon Ridge Cup
Melon ridge cups feature several vertical ridges along the cup's body, giving them a distinctive appearance. These cups are often used for high-end teas such as Longjing and Biluochun, highlighting the elegance and nobility of the tea leaves.
Ru Kiln Cup
Ru kiln cups have fine crackles on the surface and a glaze that is smooth and jade-like. These cups are commonly used for oolong tea and white tea, as the crackle pattern enhances the visual appeal and tasting experience of the tea liquor.
Yixing Clay Cup
Yixing clay cups are made from Yixing clay, known for their excellent breathability and heat retention. These cups are often used for Pu-erh tea and black tea, making the tea aroma more intense and enhancing the tea's flavor.
