15 Chinese Teacup Shapes

Chinese teacups are more than just vessels for tea drinking. They represent centuries of culture, artistry, and tradition. Each shape tells its own story, from the elegant curves of a bell-shaped cup to the minimalist lines of a straight cylinder.

In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating world of Chinese teacup shapes, as well as the history, functionality, and symbolism behind each design.

Straight Cylinder Cup (直筒杯)

The straight cylinder cup has a simple design with a flat base and straight, round walls. The clean, minimalist lines give it a sleek, no-frills aesthetic. Typically made from porcelain or ceramic, this type of cup is appreciated for its simplicity and practicality and its geometric shape conveys modernity while retaining traditional functionality.

The straight cylinder cup is often used for casual tea drinking or as part of a minimalist tea set. Its functionality and understated elegance suits a wide range of teas, particularly green tea and other light teas.

Zhe Yao Cup (折腰杯)

The Zhe Yao cup is easily recognisable by its distinctive “waist fold”, a subtle indentation around its middle that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. This design makes the cup more ergonomic, providing a comfortable grip, which is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy long tea sessions. Its elegant silhouette adds a touch of sophistication to everyday tea drinking. Zhe Yao cups are mostly made from either porcelain or glazed ceramic, and are popular in casual and semi-formal tea settings.

Bamboo Joint Cup (竹节杯)

Inspired by the shape of bamboo, the Bamboo Joint Cup features a cylindrical body segmented to resemble bamboo joints.

The cup’s bamboo shape makes it popular for those who appreciate nature-inspired designs.

Glazed ceramic cups often features shades of green, adding to its natural, organic feel. These are the most suited for drinking green tea, white tea, and light oolong tea. On the other hand, these cups are also often made from Yixing clay. Unglazed Yixing cups are the most suitable for serving black tea, pu erh tea or dark oolong.

Bamboo Joint cups are often used in settings where nature and serenity are emphasised, creating a perfect balance between aesthetics and function.

Square Cup (四方杯)

The Square Cup is inspired by ancient Chinese square rice measures. However, the edges are softened with rounded corners, ensuring that the cup is still pleasant to use. In other words, the combination of angularity and smoothness creates a balance between form and function. Such cups are often paired with metallic or wooden coasters. Although not as widely used as other cup shapes, it is favoured for its unique aesthetic and is often displayed as part of a formal tea ceremony or artistic tea setting.

Bell-Shaped Cup (铃铛杯)

The Bell-Shaped cup has a distinctive inverted bell shape with a slim body that gently flares at the rim. This design serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, as the shape helps to preserve the aroma of the tea while offering a pleasant drinking experience. The flared rim aids in the diffusion of fragrance, making it particularly suitable for aromatic teas such as jasmine or oolong. The Bell-Shaped cup is often used as a smelling cup in tea ceremonies, where the aroma is as important as the taste.

Ya Shou Cup (压手杯)

With straight walls, a wide mouth, and a flared rim, the Ya Shou cup is designed for comfort. Ya Shou literally means “press the hand” - when held in the hand, the flared edge of the mouth presses against the edge of the hand. The wider rim allows a satisfying grip, creating a more relaxed tea drinking experience.

The wide shape of the Ya Shou cup helps the tea to cool more quickly, which is ideal for those who prefer drinking tea at a moderate temperature. Its simplicity and functionality make it a popular choice for everyday tea drinking, and it works well with a wide range of teas, from black to green tea.

Flower-Shaped Cup (花口杯)

The Flower-Shaped cup is distinguished by its petal-like ridges running from the base to the rim, creating a flower-shaped mouth. This design adds an aesthetic appeal, especially when the cup is used with plant or nature-inspired decor. The floral rim enhances the cup’s visual appeal and provides a more comfortable drinking experience, as the ridges help guide the flow of tea. This cup is often used in ceremonial or decorative contexts, though its functionality makes it suitable for daily use, particularly in floral or outdoor tea settings.

Douli Cup (斗笠杯)

Named for its resemblance to a traditional straw hat, the Douli cup has a small foot/base and a wide, open mouth. Its clean, geometric lines offer a sense of simplicity, while its unique shape sets it apart from more conventional teacups. The wide mouth allows tea to cool quickly, making it ideal for those who prefer to drink their tea at a lower temperature. The Douli cup’s strong, clean lines make it a perfect choice to match with contemporary teaware.

Yuan Rong Cup (圆融杯)

The Yuan Rong cup has a short, round-bellied body with a slightly inward curved mouth. This design is symbol of harmony and tolerance in Chinese philosophy, representing balance and unity. The soft curves of the cup evoke a sense of peacefulness, making it an ideal vessel for slow, meditative tea sessions. The Yuan Rong cup is often used in traditional tea ceremonies to emphasise the cultural and philosophical aspects of tea drinking. Its gentle curves promote a sense of relaxation and introspection.

Handle Cup (把手杯)

The Handle cup is a relatively rare style of Chinese teacup in a tea ceremony setting, because these cups tend to be bigger and more often used in casual settings. In contrast, they are very common in Western countries, where coffee cups and mugs often come with a handle.

The handle adds practicality, especially when the cup itself is too hot, making it ideal for solo tea sessions. Most of the handle cups on the market are made of glass and ceramic. Although not commonly used in formal tea ceremonies, the Handle cup provides a personalised, comfortable tea brewing experience, particularly for individuals who enjoy brewing and drinking their tea directly in the cup.

High-Footed Cup (高足杯)

First created during the Yuan Dynasty, the High-Footed Cup was designed for practical use by the Mongol nobility, who liked to drink while riding. Its raised foot provided a secure grip while on horseback, making it easier to drink from without spilling. The design also helped keep tea at the ideal temperature for longer. Today, the High-Footed Cup is mainly used in formal tea ceremonies or to display intricate designs, as it is often seen as a symbol of grace and elegance. The elevated structure of the High-Footed Cup makes it an ideal choice for presenting delicate, fragrant teas that benefit from a heightened visual presentation.

Wo Zu Cup (卧足杯)

The Wo Zu cup is characterised by a flat or slightly concave base, giving the cup a simple yet sturdy appearance. With no raised foot (wo zu), this type of cup offers a grounded, minimalist aesthetic, making it perfect for informal tea drinking or when a more casual presentation is desired. The simplicity of the Wozu cup makes it versatile and easy to pair with a variety of tea styles, and it is often favoured for its practicality and ease of use.

Monk Cup (罗汉杯)

Resembling a monk's alms bowl, the Monk Cup features a round, thick belly with an inwardly curved rim. This design symbolises solidity, depth, and tradition in tea culture. Often associated with meditation and quiet reflection, its substantial form encourages a slow, conscious tea-drinking experience. Traditionally used in Buddhist-inspired tea ceremonies, it is favoured in ritualistic settings. The Monk Cup’s wide belly, more pronounced than that of the similar shaped Yuan Rong Cup, along with its shorter body, help to retain the tea’s aroma, enhancing the sensory experience.

Horse Hoof Cup (马蹄杯)

The Horse Hoof Cup has walls that curve outwards near the rim, giving the cup the distinctive appearance of a horse’s hoof. This shape enhances the aesthetic appeal and makes the cup easy to grip. Some versions feature a raised base, while others sit flat on the table. The graceful curves and unique form of the Horse Hoof Cup make it a popular choice for those who appreciate teaware with a natural, organic design. It is well-suited for both casual and formal settings, offering visual interest and functionality.

Pu Erh Cup (普洱杯)

As the name says, this cup is usually used to drink pu erh tea. It's flat in shape with a wide opening and only a few ml capacity. Its unique design lets heat dissipate quickly, ensuring the tea cools rapidly. This characteristic makes the pu er cup particularly well-suited for brewing teas that require boiling water, such as pu-erh and dark teas, ensuring that each sip can be enjoyed at an optimal temperature without the risk of burning your mouth.