What Are The Japanese Tea Cups Usually Called? What Are The Differences?
The main distinction between traditional Japanese teacups and Western tea cups is that Japanese tea cups do not have handles. Yunomi, which are tall cylindrical cups, and Chawan, which are wide bowls used to drink matcha tea in the Japanese tea ceremony. Therefore these are the two types of Japanese tea “cups.”
A Yunomi, unlike a Chawan, can be used for everyday tea drinking at home or at work. Chawan is often use for traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Tea cups in Japan are available in a variety of styles and glazes, ranging from white porcelain to iron black and unglazed clay.
However, just like with Western teacups, the price of a single piece can vary greatly. A quality Yunomi made by a master can cost over 10,000 Yen, while a mass-produced factory Yunomi is quite affordable.
When purchasing a Japanese tea cup, it is important to consider not only the style but also to hold it in your hands and imagine yourself drinking tea from it. The evolution of traditional Japanese teacups can be traced back to historical Japanese pottery styles—let's take a look at the top three.
Matcha Tea Cup
Are you looking for a way to make your green tea taste even better? Of course, you do, so take a look at this porcelain version of a traditional Japanese teacup. The tea bowl is made of a clay powder mixture that includes crushing stones that have been fired at high temperatures.
When tapped, the porcelain is thin and light, and it produces a transparent metallic sound. This allows light to pass through while also providing excellent thermal conductivity and a pleasing appearance. When it comes to Japanese tableware, Mino Ware is one of the best traditional pottery manufacturers in Japan.
The tea bowl can be microwaved or washed in the dishwasher. It can be used to drink Matcha Tea, Milk, Green Tea, and other beverages.
Japanese Yunomi Tea Cup
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You will agree that what is portrayed better than in the picture when you receive this tea cup made in Japan. While it may appear to be a slick and inexpensive coffee mug, it is not. The texture is lovely, and the porcelain and print are both of high quality.
You'll get a cup that's the perfect size for drinking tea or any other beverage. It doesn't have a handle and isn't the same size as the miniature oriental teacups. The design is adorable, and there are eight different screen prints to choose from. With a weight of 290 grams, it's easy to carry around, and it's microwave and dishwasher safe.
Tea Cups From Kutani Yaki Yunomi
Japanese teacups add this stone monument made of porcelain stone to your Japanese tea ceremony. The Ko-Kutani is the foundation of Japanese-colored porcelain ware, which is hand-painted with vibrant colors.
Red, yellow, green, red, and blue hues stand out against some of the best Japanese Tea Cups reviewed here, making them stand out. In the West, the Kinrade style is popular for drinking Matcha, coffee, green tea, and other beverages.
The teacups are made in Ishikawa, Japan, and are considered traditional pottery all over the world.
Which Japanese Tea Cups Should I Choose?
All you need now is the perfect Japanese tea cup to bring out the tea's flavor and aroma once you've found your favorite green tea and the right teapot.
There are no hard rules or guidelines assigning a specific teacup shape to a specific tea variety, unlike with Japanese teapots.
However, because each tea variety is steeped differently to bring out its distinct characteristics, it's worth learning about the various types of Japanese teacups on the market.
The Materials That Japanese Tea Cups Made Of
Tea cups are generally divided into three categories: porcelain, clay, and glass.
Tea Cups Made Of Porcelain
Teacups made of Japanese porcelain are very popular in Japan and can be found in almost every household. They're small and light, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Tea Cups Made Of Clay
Clay teacups, which are also very popular in Japan, have a more traditional Japanese aesthetic thanks to their fire-glazed appearance. This style would be best described by the Japanese phrase "wabi-sabi."
Tea Cups Made From Glass
On a hot summer day, glass tea cups are ideal for serving ice-cold green tea.
Teacups In Japanese Style
Although there appear to be almost too many subtle Japanese tea cup shapes to count, the majority of them fall into one of the three categories below.
Tea Cups With Curved Edges
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This shape of a teacup can enhance the aroma of green tea and is an excellent choice for gyokuro and sencha varieties.
Tea Cups With Straight Sides
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This shape's stately silhouette helps to keep tea at a consistent temperature. As a result, it's a good choice for drinking hojicha or genmaicha, both of which require a higher steeping temperature.
Lidded Tea Cups
While a tea cup with a lid may keep the heat in for longer, its primary function when serving green tea to guests is as a decorative item.
Considering The Color Of The Tea Cups
The color of the teacup is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but there is one thing to keep in mind.
The color of the teacup matters more on the inside than on the outside when it comes to green tea because it can affect the visual color of the tea when it is poured into the cup.
As a result, you might want to invest in the second set of white teacups for when displaying the green tea's vibrant color is crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions Of Japanese Tea Cups
Japanese Tea Cups: What Do They Call Them?
Yunomi is a kind of Japanese tea cup that is taller than it is large, and it is made of clay or porcelain. In comparison to the Chawan tea bowl used for rituals, the turned foot is trimmed and it is made for everyday tea drinking.
Why Are There No Handles On The Japanese Tea Cups?
It has always been a part of Japanese culture, and they feel that when the cups have no handles, you will appreciate the warmth of the tea more completely.
When Was The Tea Cup Given Handles?
At the turn of the nineteenth century, cylindrical shapes with handles began to appear, creating a fashion statement. Johann Friedrich Bottger, a German inventor, came up with the concept in 1707.
The Bottom Line
You might be shocked to learn that Yunomi chawan was only introduced to the market during the Edo period. We're not sure why this kind of teacup became known as Yunomi chawan.
It became common at a time when drinking tea was reserved for the affluent aristocracy. The economy began to boom during the Edo period, and the practice of drinking tea became more widespread among the common people, prompting the introduction of Yunomi chawan.
Yunomi chawan is available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Yunomi chawan can be divided into two categories. One is in the form of a pipe, and the other is in the shape of a tube.
There are also cups with lids, but we hardly see them being used at home these days. It was once considered proper to serve green tea to guests in this sort of cup, with the cup resting on a saucer.
The characteristics of each Yunomi chawan differ based on the materials used or the location where they were made. Before serving tea, consider the season, the type of tea to be served, and the guest's personality when selecting the Yunomi chawan.
