Brahma glazed earthenware teacup, set of 2

The teacup has a matching teapot: Pumpkin ti liang

Brahma glazed earthenware teacup, set of 2

The pros in using a teacup with very thin wall is that the tea will cool faster. This is especially useful when the infusion temperature is high and from a relatively larger teapot where the temperature of the tea wouldn’t drop as much as when using a smaller infusion vessel. However, there is a problem with such a thin wall —  the hot tea will easily make it too hot to hold. That is why there is this sharper curvature underneath the brim. This classic “piē kou 撇口” form was developed with the idea that the cup can be rested between two fingers immediately below the opening of the cup where there is the least heat. This curve is also a hidden marker for the optimum tea level for this feature to be comfortably useable.

How people usually hold the cup

How the cup used to be held traditionally amongst tea connoisseurs. A easier way especially when the tea is very hot.

This kind of simple traditional daily common sense in tea is not as popularly known as it used to be in the tea circle when I was young. Hopefully more efforts can be in place to propagate them not only for a deeper enjoyment of tea and the experience, but also for an environment to facilitate the growth the true tea drinker population.

The technical challenge of making such a thin cup is high. That is why very thin small cups from antiquity are often displayed in museums marking their technical wonders.

This is a handmade item. Please expect slight variations in colour, pattern, shape and details from the particular ones used in these pictures.