A teacup is a vessel used for serving and drinking tea. Tea brewed in a teapot or fairness pitcher is poured into teacups for people to taste and enjoy. Teacups come in a wide variety of styles and designs, featuring options with or without lids, and with or without handles. The most common materials for dedicated teacups are pottery, porcelain, and glass.
While the primary function of a teacup is to hold tea for drinking, cups are sometimes further categorized into tasting cups and aroma cups. Occasionally, larger teacups can also be used for brewing tea directly, as there are no strict standards defining their exact functions. Traditional materials include pottery, porcelain, and bamboo, while glass and plastic cups have been introduced in more modern times. For premium tea tasting, pottery and porcelain cups remain the standard choice.
Pottery Cups: Cups crafted from clay. Compared to porcelain cups, they feel less hot to hold in the hand and retain heat longer as they cool down more slowly. They are ideal for teas with a pronounced throat finish, such as heavily roasted oolong teas and Tieguanyin.
Porcelain Cups: Currently the most commonly used teacup material in Taiwan. They tend to feel hotter to the touch and cool down faster. They are well-suited for lightly fermented teas, making them a great match for Wenshan Pouchong and high mountain teas. They can also be used for Oriental Beauty, black tea, and more.