Tea Cups

Tea Cups: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Cup

A tea cup is far more than a vessel: it is the element that either reveals or diminishes the aromas of your infusion. Drawing on many years of expertise in the art of tea, we have identified the key criteria that transform an ordinary cup into a true tasting instrument. Read on to discover how shape, material and capacity directly shape the sensory experience of your daily tea moment.

Anatomy of the Perfect Tea Cup: 5 Defining Criteria

1. Capacity: The Science of the Right Proportion

A cup's capacity determines the aromatic intensity of your tasting experience. For delicate green tea, choose a size between 120ml and 180ml to concentrate its subtle aromas. A full-bodied black tea opens up beautifully in a 200ml to 250ml format, allowing the tannins to dilute at just the right level.

Lovers of iced tea will want a large capacity of at least 300ml, whether a large mug or a tall tea mug, while traditional Japanese rituals call for miniature 60ml cups, perfect for savouring concentrated sips. A oversized porcelain mug is ideal for a long, comforting break.

2. Materials: A Direct Influence on Flavour

Fine porcelain remains the benchmark material for any exceptional cup. Its flavour neutrality preserves the character of both green tea and black tea in full. Ceramic, being slightly porous, develops a natural patina over time that gently enriches each tasting.

Double-walled glass cups bring a new dimension to the experience: they hold the ideal temperature while offering a remarkable visual display, especially striking with vibrantly coloured iced tea. Chinese stoneware models offer exceptional durability for everyday use.

3. Shape: The Geometry of Aroma

A wide, flared cup releases volatile aromas quickly, making it ideal for fruit infusions. A narrower shape, by contrast, concentrates the fragrance and is perfect for bringing out the complexity of traditional Japanese tea. This geometry responds to the specific needs of each style of tasting.

The Japanese tea bowl, with its straight sides and no handle, offers an optimal evaporation surface that gradually reveals aromatic notes. Models with matching saucers create a perfect harmony on your table.

Types of Teacups: Which Cup for Which Tea?

The Classic Porcelain Cup

The traditional cup and saucer remains the embodiment of French elegance. Its fine porcelain, just 2mm thick, offers ideal thermal conductivity. This piece is particularly well suited to bringing out the floral notes of Darjeeling green tea or the malted aromas of Earl Grey black tea. Available in our collection in a range of designs to suit your taste.

The Japanese Bowl: Authenticity and Tradition

A ceramic tea bowl from Japan turns every tasting into a ceremony. Handleless, it calls for a two-handed hold that naturally invites a moment of stillness. This tradition from the land of the rising sun reveals all the subtlety of fine infusions: Gyokuro, Matcha, Sencha. Each piece is crafted using time-honoured techniques.

The Glass Cup: Innovation and Aesthetics

A double-wall glass cup combines performance with beauty. It keeps your green tea at 75°C for up to 20 minutes, while letting you watch the infusion's colour evolve before your eyes. Perfect for an iced tea on a summer afternoon, this modern piece adapts to every style of tasting.

Care and Longevity

A quality cup lasts decades with the right care. Avoid sudden temperature changes that can crack fine porcelain. Store your cups and saucers separately to prevent scratches.

The Essential Accessories

Complete your cup with the right accessories: a stainless steel filter for loose leaves, a tea infuser sized to the volume, and a herbal teapot with a lid to maintain the right brewing temperature. These are all available in our online shop.

Our Thés & Traditions selection: cups, mugs and bowls

At Thés & Traditions, we have curated a selection of 86 models to accompany every ritual. Japanese porcelain mugs decorated with octopus, geisha or cherry blossom motifs; understated ceramic cups for everyday use; handcrafted matcha bowls (chawan) for traditional practice; borosilicate glass cups for iced teas.

Julien Huot, founder of Thés & Traditions, personally selects each piece from Japanese and European makers, with a focus on timeless designs and refined finishes.

Which cup for which tea?

The right vessel can elevate your tea, or let it down. Here are our guidelines.

• Green tea and matcha: a wide, shallow bowl (chawan) for whisked matcha, or a fine porcelain cup of 150-200 ml for sencha. A thin wall preserves delicate aromatics.
• Black tea: a thick mug of 250-300 ml that retains heat. Ceramic or thick porcelain works well. Perfect in the morning with a splash of milk.
• Herbal infusions: a tall, narrow mug that concentrates the steam and keeps the infusion warm. A 350-400 ml capacity for long, unhurried evening pauses.
• White tea and oolong: a fine porcelain cup, 100-150 ml, to appreciate subtle aromatic nuances.
• Iced tea: a transparent borosilicate glass that handles thermal shock and shows off the amber or golden colour of the tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should a teacup be?
For a classic tasting: 150 to 200 ml for green and white teas (delicate flavours best enjoyed in smaller quantities), 250 to 300 ml for black tea, 350 ml and above for herbal infusions and morning mugs. The matcha bowl (chawan) is wider than it is tall, around 350-400 ml to allow for whisking.

Porcelain or ceramic: what is the difference?
Porcelain is thinner, more translucent and more heat-resistant. Ceramic (including stoneware and earthenware) is thicker, more rustic and retains heat better. Porcelain suits delicate teas (green, white, oolong), while ceramic is better for full-bodied teas and everyday mugs.

Can a teacup go in the dishwasher?
It depends on the piece. Modern porcelain and industrial ceramics can handle a gentle cycle. Hand-decorated pieces (washi, painted motifs), traditional Japanese ceramics and stoneware call for hand-washing in warm water without harsh detergent.

Why does the inside of my cup turn brown?
This is a natural tannin patina that builds up with regular use of black or full-bodied teas. It is harmless and can be removed with bicarbonate of soda or diluted white vinegar. Many connoisseurs keep the patina, as it gently infuses subsequent brews with a little extra character.

What cup should I give a tea lover?
A Japanese washi porcelain mug for a design enthusiast, a handcrafted matcha bowl for someone who practises matcha, or a cup and saucer set for a more formal gift. Our range includes options at every budget, from everyday pieces to collector's items.

Browse our selection of cups, mugs and bowls above and find the one that will become part of your ritual.

Complementary accessories for your teacup

Beyond choosing the right cup, a few well-chosen accessories turn every infusion into a complete experience. Here are the essentials.

Infuser and filter: the foundation for loose-leaf tea

If you drink loose-leaf tea (which we recommend for the best quality), a good infuser is essential. Choose a fine-mesh stainless steel filter that catches even the smallest leaf particles without affecting the flavour. Paper filters are disposable and convenient, but less sustainable. Silicone infusers are colourful and make fun gifts, though they can retain aromas over time.

A tea set: for the dedicated enthusiast

A complete tea set typically includes a teapot, 4 to 6 cups (with or without saucers), a sugar bowl and sometimes a milk jug. It is the ideal choice for shared moments or entertaining. Fine porcelain for elegance, ceramic for everyday robustness, or Japanese cast iron for lovers of tradition.

An everyday cup vs a cup for special occasions

Many tea drinkers keep two kinds of cups: a sturdy, large mug for daily use (dishwasher-safe without a second thought), and a finer cup for quiet weekend moments or when guests arrive. This approach protects your most cherished pieces while keeping everyday life simple.

A gift idea that never misses

A teacup or mug is one of the most appreciated gifts for tea lovers. A few ideas:

• For a formal gift: a fine porcelain cup and saucer, presented in a gift box
• For a distinctive gift: a Japanese washi porcelain mug with a unique motif
• For a matcha enthusiast: a handcrafted chawan bowl with a bamboo whisk (chasen)
• For a beginner: a gift set with a cup, infuser and a selection of tea bags

Caring for metal accessories

Stainless steel infusers and filters should be rinsed under hot water after each use. A weekly soak in diluted white vinegar removes any limescale build-up. Avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch the finish. Silver-plated metal accessories benefit from occasional polishing with a dedicated product.

Cup, mug, bowl, infuser, filter: every piece has its role in your ritual. Build up your collection gradually, guided by the teas you love most.

Expert Care: Preserving Quality

Washing Guidelines by Material

A fine porcelain cup should always be washed by hand in warm water. Harsh detergents damage the surface and create a porosity that traps tannins. For ceramic cups, rinsing immediately after use prevents stains from setting.

Glass cups can go in the dishwasher, but will gradually lose their clarity. A gentle hand wash with white vinegar preserves their crystal-clear transparency. Follow our care tips to get the most out of your pieces.

Japanese Ceramic and Stoneware Cups

Stoneware and Japanese ceramics (including the chawan used for matcha) require a little extra care: a rinse in warm water is all they need, no detergent. The natural porosity of stoneware absorbs the aromas of tea over time, which is actually a prized quality in traditional practice.

Glass Mugs and Dishwasher-Safe Cups

Borosilicate glass (such as Pyrex) and certain modern porcelain cups can handle the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. Always check the marking on the base of the cup. Avoid machine washing for hand-decorated pieces (washi, delicate floral motifs) and traditional ceramics.

What About Tannin Stains?

A cup used regularly for black tea will naturally develop a brownish patina. To remove it, gently scrub with a paste of baking soda and water, or soak the cup in a glass of water with a teaspoon of white vinegar for 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.