The Art of Teapots & Cups (茶壶与茶杯 Cháhú yǔ Chábēi)

The Art of Teapots & Cups (茶壶与茶杯 Cháhú yǔ Chábēi) ///

Origins of the Teapot & Cup
The first true teapots emerged during the Song and Ming Dynasties 10th–15th c. in China. In Yixing (宜兴), Jiangsu province, potters discovered the unique properties of zisha (紫砂, purple clay). This unglazed clay absorbed the subtle oils of tea over time, “remembering” the teas it brewed. Each pot became a living archive of its owner’s tea journey.

Alongside the teapot came the teacup, evolving from bowls used during the Tang Dynasty to the smaller, thinner vessels of later dynasties. By the Ming era, porcelain and celadon cups reflected refined aesthetics: translucent, delicate, yet strong enough to hold the essence of the brew.

Japan adapted Chinese teaware into kyūsu (急須) side-handled teapots and ceremonial bowls (chawan 茶碗) for matcha, while Korea perfected celadon (青瓷 Qīngcí), famed for its serene glaze. From these origins, the world inherited not only vessels but a philosophy of how tea should be experienced.

Why Handmade Ceramics Matter

• Porosity & Breathability: Clay teapots (especially Yixing) allow micro-interactions with tea, smoothing flavors and enhancing aroma.
• Heat & Flow: Handmade pots and cups distribute heat gently, keeping the tea alive in the hand and on the palate.
• Unique Soul: No handmade cup or pot is identical. Each bears the fingerprints, rhythms, and intention of the artisan, adding a human presence to each tea session.
• Patina & Memory: Unglazed clay develops a natural sheen over years of use. Cups and pots become companions, aging gracefully alongside their owner.

Cups in Tea Culture

• China (品茗杯 Pǐnmíng bēi): Tiny tasting cups focus the drinker on aroma, texture, and multiple infusions.
• Japan (茶碗 Chawan): Large bowls used in the tea ceremony embody wabi-sabi — rustic beauty, imperfection, and deep stillness.
• Korea: Porcelain and celadon cups emphasize harmony, refinement, and balance with nature.

Teapots & Cups in Ceremony

• Gongfu Cha (功夫茶): Small Yixing teapots paired with delicate cups allow tea to be savored in layers, with each infusion revealing new character.
• Japanese Chanoyu (茶の湯): The chawan, handled with deliberate gestures, becomes the heart of the ritual, symbolizing simplicity, respect, and unity.
• Korean Darye (茶礼): Teapots and cups are chosen for their beauty and resonance with the moment, embodying respect for guests and ancestors alike.

In Tea Culture
The teapot and the cup are more than vessels. They are bridges between leaf, water, and spirit — tools that embody centuries of tradition and the artistry of human hands. Handmade ceramics remind us that tea is not only to be consumed, but also to be felt, touched, and shared.