Discover the art of Japanese tea cups
In short
- Function over Form: Japanese cups (Chawan, Yunomi) are shaped specifically to control aroma, temperature, and flavor concentration.
- The Three Staples: Yunomi for daily use, Chawan for Matcha whisking, and small Gyokuro cups for premium shaded teas.
- Handle-less Design: If the cup is too hot to hold, the tea is too hot to drink. This ensures the perfect sipping temperature.
- Savoring Tradition: Small 1–4 oz capacities reflect the Japanese art of slow, mindful tea consumption.
In Japan, choosing a tea cup is about more than aesthetics; it is about the tactile connection between the drinker and the ceramic. Based in Fukuoka, we source our cups directly from artisans to ensure authentic quality and weight.
The Art of Cup Selection
Ritualized tea drinking uses specialized vessels to bring out the best in different tea leaves:
- Small, Thick Cups: Enhance the umami of Gyokuro.
- Shallow, Wide Cups: Allow Sencha to cool quickly to its ideal temperature.
- Tall Cylindrical Cups: Retain the high heat needed for Hojicha or Genmaicha.
Three Main Types of Japanese Tea Cups
1. Yunomi – Daily Ceramic Cups
Yunomi are the standard handle-less cups used in Japanese homes. Most of our collection features Mino-yaki or Hasami-yaki craftsmanship, prized for their balance of durability and artistic glaze.
2. Chawan – The Matcha Bowl
Used in the Japanese tea ceremony, a traditional Chawan is wide enough for proper whisking with a Chasen. The broad surface area allows the matcha’s aroma to bloom fully before the first sip.
3. Gyokuro Cups – Small & Precise
Because premium Gyokuro is brewed in small, concentrated amounts, it requires specialized cups that allow you to savor the intense flavor profile slowly.
Essential Tea Cup FAQ
Why don’t Japanese tea cups have handles?
The design encourages you to wrap your hands around the cup to feel the warmth. It serves as a natural thermometer: if the ceramic is too hot to touch, the tea is likely at a temperature that would scald the leaves and your palate.
Why are they so small?
Quality Japanese green tea is packed with nutrients and flavor. Small cups (1 to 4 oz) prevent the tea from cooling too quickly and discourage over-consumption, allowing for a mindful experience.
Care for Your Tea Ceramics
- Matcha Bowls (Chawan): Rinse with warm water before and after use. Avoid soap, as porous ceramics can absorb flavors.
- Porcelain vs. Pottery: Porcelain (Arita/Hasami) is generally dishwasher safe. Hand-crafted pottery (Mino) should be hand-washed to protect the glaze.
- Drying: Ensure cups are completely dry before stacking to prevent moisture from getting trapped in the foot of the cup.
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