The 10 Traditional Chinese Tea Cup Shapes

Tea culture in China is deeply intertwined with history, craftsmanship, and philosophy. The design of a tea cup is not merely about aesthetics—it influences the aroma, taste, and even the ritual of tea drinking. Below, we explore 10 traditional Chinese tea cup styles, 

1. Yashou Cup (压手杯) – The "Pressing Hand" Cup

• Origin: Ming Dynasty, favored by Emperor Yongle for its ergonomic fit.

• Features: Slightly flared rim, thick base, fits snugly in the palm for a secure grip.

• Use: Best for green and white teas, as its shape retains warmth while allowing easy sipping.

"Pressing Hand" Cup

 

2. Douli Cup (斗笠杯) – The "Bamboo Hat" Cup

• Origin: Inspired by farmers' rain hats (斗笠 dǒulì), symbolizing simplicity.

• Features: Wide mouth, straight sides, shallow body resembling an inverted hat.

• Use: Ideal for observing tea leaves in brewing, commonly used for oolong and young pu-erh.

Douli Cup

 

3. Luohan Cup (罗汉杯) – The "Arhat Cup"

• Origin: Named after Buddhist Arhats (Luohan), representing wisdom and serenity.

• Features: Round belly, short foot, smooth curves symbolizing harmony.

• Use: Enhances aroma and flavor retention, perfect for black and aged teas.

Luohan Cup

 

4. Zhujie Cup (竹节杯) – The "Bamboo Node" Cup

• Origin: Mimics bamboo stems, reflecting Confucian ideals of resilience.

• Features: Segmented body, textured surface, lightweight yet sturdy.

• Use: Pairs well with light, floral teas like jasmine or green tea, evoking a natural aesthetic.

Zhujie Cup

 

5. Mati Cup (马蹄杯) – The "Horse Hoof" Cup

• Origin: Yuan Dynasty, shaped like an upturned horse hoof for stability.

• Features: Tall, tapered base, wide rim for heat dispersion.

• Use: Traditionally used for milk teas (Mongolian influence) but now favored for roasted oolongs.

Mati Cup

6.Wenxiang Cup (闻香杯) – The "Aroma-Savoring" Cup

• Origin: Taiwanese tea ceremony adaptation for appreciating fragrance.

• Features: Tall and narrow, trapping aromas before transferring to a drinking cup.

• Use: Essential in Gongfu tea ceremonies, especially for high-mountain oolongs and aged teas.

Wenxiang Cup

 

7. Pu'er Cup (普洱杯) – The Pu-erh Specialist

• Origin: Designed to complement the deep flavors of Yunnan pu-erh.

• Features: Thick walls, wide base, slightly inward-curving rim to concentrate aroma.

• Use: Exclusively for raw (sheng) and ripe (shou) pu-erh, enhancing earthy notes.

Pu-erh cup

8.Chanding Cup (禅定杯) – The "Zen Meditation" Cup

• Origin: Rooted in Chan (Zen) Buddhism, promoting mindfulness.

• Features: Minimalist, cylindrical, with a weighted base for stability.

• Use: Encourages slow sipping, best for matcha or powdered teas in meditative settings.