In the tea ceremony, every detail matters — from the sound of boiling water to the touch of porcelain.
A teacup, simple at first glance, becomes the heart of this world.
Within it, the elements meet — earth, fire, water, and air.
It holds the warmth of tea, its aroma, and, like a mirror, reflects the state of one’s spirit.
Origin and Philosophy
Teacups appeared in China over a thousand years ago, during the Tang dynasty.
Back then, tea was served in deep clay bowls to highlight the color of the brew.
Later, during the Song dynasty, masters began creating porcelain cups — light, elegant, almost weightless.
Today, artisans in Taiwan and mainland China continue this legacy.
The teacups presented by Gaba Tea House are handcrafted in small workshops, where every piece is born from patience, skill, and quiet reflection.
Materials and Craftsmanship
The journey of a teacup begins with clay.
The best artisans use kaolin or Yixing clay — natural materials valued for their purity and ability to “breathe.”
Clay is sourced from regions that have been known for centuries for their unique mineral composition, perfect for tea vessels.
Then comes the shaping.
The artisan forms the cup by hand, without striving for perfect symmetry — embodying the spirit of wabi-sabi, the beauty of imperfection.
After drying, the cup undergoes a double firing process:
- The first firing, at 800–900°C, stabilizes the shape.
- The second, at 1200–1300°C, transforms the glaze into a smooth, luminous surface.
Every crack in the glaze, every hue, is unique.
No two teacups are the same — just as no two tea infusions taste alike.
Glaze and Design
Glaze is more than decoration.
It shapes the way tea is experienced — how it looks, smells, and feels.
Matte glazes create warmth and softness, while glossy ones emphasize the depth of the brew’s color.
Traditional glazing techniques include:
- Jun ware (钧窑) — blue tones that resemble a twilight sky.
- Tenmoku (天目) — dark, almost black cups with shimmering specks like stars.
- Hand painting — featuring mountains, clouds, or calligraphy symbols of harmony and longevity.
Each teacup carries the mark of its maker — not a factory product, but a vessel where the elements have been united through craftsmanship and fire.
Pairs and Tea Rituals
In Taiwan and China, there is an ancient tradition of paired teacups — symbols of harmony and respect between people.
Such pairs are often gifted to friends or colleagues as a gesture of sincerity and goodwill.
During business meetings, Chinese entrepreneurs often begin with tea.
Tea is poured into small cups, usually in pairs — an expression of equality and mutual trust.
To share tea is to share a moment, not just time — a way to establish understanding before words are spoken.
There is even a ritual of three cups:
- The first for introduction,
- The second for sincerity,
- The third for respect.
The Teacup as a Philosophy
The teacup teaches mindfulness.
It reminds us that flavor is born not only from the tea itself, but from the one who drinks it.
Every touch, every sip, is an act of awareness.
At Gaba Tea House, we see the teacup not merely as an object, but as a vessel of philosophy.
It carries the warmth of the maker’s hands, the fragrance of Taiwan’s mountains, and the quiet essence of tea culture.
Conclusion
A teacup is silence made visible — a space that receives the flavor of tea.
It is like a breath between sips, a pause between words.
Through its simplicity, we return to what matters: attention, gratitude, and the quiet warmth found in every cup.
In the tradition of Gaba Tea House, teacups are keepers of balance.
They connect the ancient and the modern, the master and the drinker — those who seek not only the taste of tea, but its meaning.
Discover the Gaba Tea House teacup collection — each piece carries the warmth of the artisan’s hands.
