Introductory Guide: Japanese Tea Cups

In Japan, tea has a rich cultural heritage and a lengthy history. Every object and every motion are important in the ritualistic form of traditional Japanese tea culture. Teacups are also one of them. We usually use Kumi-dashi, a wide-opening cup for the special matcha ceremony. Different tea cups are used on various occasions.

In this article, we will explore different styles of Japanese tea cups, and materials, and look at some of the recommendations of each type of cup.

Different Styles of Japanese Tea Cups

Yunomi – Straight, Tall Teacups

If you're drinking green tea alone, you don't want it to get cold too soon. It will if you use a tea ceremony chawan because Chawan's wide opening would allow heat to escape too quickly.

The Japanese have a type of teacup called yunomi, which is ideal for enjoying the green goodness whenever you want. Although it's not the most popular option for serving tea to guests, it's fantastic at keeping your tea from cooling down. They are still small by Western standards, these tall, upright cups are typically larger than the kumi-dashi style.

Many sushi restaurants serve bancha or hojicha tea in the yunomi style.

Kumi-Dashi – Wide Bowls

A chawan, or tea bowl, is a matcha bowl used in tea ceremonies and typically for formal tea gatherings. One way to characterize Chawans is as Kumi-dashi or Kumide. They are low-profile, wide-brimmed cups that the tea master uses to whisk matcha.

A kumi-dashi is ideal for matcha because it's the right size for whisking and because its wide brim allows you to better enjoy the tea's color and aroma. If you want to serve tea to guests, this is the best option!

Some of the slight shape variations of Kumidashi chawan include the half-cylindrical hantsutsu-gata (半筒形), which is typical of Raku ware; the well-shaped ido-gata (井戸形), which is popular in Hagi style; and the summer chawan, which has a flat profile that allows tea to cool quickly.

Soba-Choko – Cups with Tapered Sides

Technically speaking, soba-choko is not a teacup. However, it is frequently used as one.

The tapered shape of this humble dish is ideal for a small sip of sencha tea, but it's also used to dip soba noodles. If you don't drink a lot of tea, the soba-choko can also be used as a sake cup. It typically holds roughly 3 ounces of liquid, which is ideal for a hot cup of tea or sake.

A Variety of Material Types In Japanese Cups

Glass

Glass is not often used for tea and is rather modern. Because Japanese tea cups lack handles, holding a glass cup of hot water would be challenging. But glass teacups are a common option for drinking cold green tea, and hojicha.

Ceramics

The term "ceramics" is broad; it includes stoneware, porcelain, and even earthenware. All of them start with clay in one form or another, but the final product is determined by the raw materials' purity and the temperature at which your bowls are fired in the kiln.

In summary, a material becomes less porous as the temperature rises.

Earthenware is soft and porous. It thuds rather than ringing in a high pitch when you clink it. These cups are frequently glazed to improve their tea-making qualities and facilitate washing. It's a unique experience to hold an earthenware cup because it's sturdy yet lightweight.

Stoneware is fired at high temperatures, so the material particles start to fuse. The result is a dense material, still a bit porous but with a naturally smooth finish. Stoneware comes both unglazed and glazed. Though stoneware is heavier, its texture usually gives you a good grip - and is interesting to the touch.

Crank that heat up further (and use quality materials) to get porcelain.

The majority of traditional Japanese tea cups are in the middle of stoneware and earthenware.

The primary advantage is that they retain heat well; if you purchase a thick stoneware cup, your fingers won't burn and your tea won't cool down. This feature enables you to safely enjoy the warmth of the tea while cuddling the chawan with your fingers.

A porous cup may seem bad to you, but green tea enthusiasts don't agree. Over time, a well-used porous tea cup will accumulate flavor, much like a well-seasoned cast iron pan. The aroma of your tea will be enhanced by the combined flavor of your past teas if you take good care of it (and don't use dish soap).

Earthenware and stoneware cups not only improve the tea's flavor and retain warmth better, but they also align with the Japanese tea ceremony's wabi-sabi philosophy, which places a premium on simplicity. Another reason to value the dish is that, in accordance with wabi-sabi principles, stoneware may become discolored over time.

Porcelain

Porcelain, a kind of ceramic material fired at the highest temperature, is probably used to make tea cups that are either completely white or intricately painted. China used to be a major exporter of porcelain tea cups, but Japan also has a few well-known porcelain teaware manufacturers.

Porcelain, which is made by burning clay at such high temperatures that it vitrifies (becomes like glass), has a smooth texture, a dense composition, and an elegant appearance. For tea and food utensils, it is a treasured material.

In addition to being lightweight and strong, porcelain cups have a nice appearance. They are easy to wash because the material is not porous; no smells or color stains remain.

A set of Japanese porcelain tea cups would benefit any home. For summertime tea, porcelain works particularly well because it doesn't retain heat well, so your tea will cool down quickly in a porcelain cup.

Maintainance of Japanese Tea Cups

Teacups made of stoneware, porcelain, or earthenware should be thoroughly rinsed with hot water after use to speed up the drying process. However, it is not advised to thoroughly clean them in the dishwasher. Before stacking and storing them, we recommend that you allow them to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

For a better tea experience, we highly advise selecting your own teacups based on your own tastes. However, it's safe to start your collection with an earthenware matcha bowl and porcelain sencha teacups.

However, exploring the intriguing world of teapots and cups is alluring and frequently marks the start of a fantastic personal collection.

3 Various Kinds of Tea Cup Recommendations

Yunomi: Bizan Kiln Hokusai Wave Kutani Yunomi Japanese Teacup

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Price: $82.00

Material: Stoneware

Origin: Made in Ishikawa, Japan

Other note: The distinctive Japanese teacup has a gorgeous painting of "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by renowned artist Hokusai.

Hokusai used Mount Fuji and waves as the primary subjects of his paintings throughout his life. Even in the present era, people are moved by Hokusai's depiction of the constantly shifting flow of water.

Handcrafted by a potter's wheel, the natural shape fits your hand comfortably and creates a calming atmosphere.

It is a highly recommended gift for a fan of Japanese culture and art.

Kumi-Dashi: Crystalline Glaze Japanese Teacup

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Price: $24.00

Material: Porcelain

Origin: Made in Gifu, Japan

Other note: Hibino Ceramic created this lovely Japanese teacup by hand. It has a crystalline glaze, which is a glaze that has spots and sparkling crystals on the surface.

Craftspeople must possess extensive knowledge and experience because the severity of heat and temperature changes during firing will alter the crystals' appearance and the range in which they appear.

The rich yet delicate flavors of Japanese green tea are enhanced by the porcelain's smooth texture, which is soothing and soft to the mouth. Your tea-savoring moments will undoubtedly be enhanced by this lovely and distinctive teacup.

Soba-Choko: Soba Choko Cup

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Price: $14.90