Teacup Yixing Clay Cups - 30ml 2pcs Traditional Set
Artisanal Yixing Clay Tea Cups: Traditional Chinese Purple Clay Tasting Set
These authentic 30ml Yixing Zisha clay tasting cups represent centuries of Chinese tea culture craftsmanship. Made from the prized purple clay of Yixing region, each cup features naturally porous walls that absorb and enhance tea flavors over time. The unglazed surface develops a distinctive patina through use, while the compact 1-3/4" height and 2-3/4" diameter provide the perfect vessel for appreciating premium teas. Unlike glazed porcelain, these cups interact with tea oils to create increasingly complex flavor profiles with dedicated use.
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Proper Care & Usage Guidelines
- Dedicate each cup to a single tea variety
- Rinse with plain water only - avoid soap
- Allow natural patina development
- Suitable for all tea types, especially oolong and pu-erh
- Store in well-ventilated area
- Handle with care despite durability
Premium Mineral-Rich Clay Composition
Authentic Yixing clay contains a precise blend of minerals including aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, silicon and titanium. This unique composition creates the characteristic purple-brown color and porous structure. The clay also contains essential kaolin and fine silicate particles that enable high-temperature firing while maintaining microporosity. Each mineral contributes to the cup's ability to enhance tea appreciation through natural interaction with tea compounds.
Traditional Benefits of Yixing Clay
- Natural flavor enhancement through clay-tea interaction
- Superior heat retention from double-porous structure
- Development of unique patina over time
- Mineral enrichment of tea from clay composition
- Temperature regulation protecting hands
- Resistance to thermal shock
- Natural antimicrobial properties
- Enhanced aromatics through clay absorption
Cultural Heritage & Significance
Yixing teaware emerged during the Song Dynasty but reached artistic heights in the Ming period under Emperor Zheng De (1505-1521). Master potter Gong Chuan revolutionized the craft, establishing techniques still used today. These cups reflect the evolution of Chinese tea culture from powdered to whole leaf teas, embodying both practical function and artistic refinement. The tradition of dedicating cups to specific teas stems from the clay's unique ability to build character through repeated use.
