Last week, I traveled to Jingdezhen, famed as China’s porcelain capital, with the goal of crafting something truly unique and special. Its rich ceramic-making history inspired my journey.

While there, I wanted to collaborate with a master ceramic teacher to craft the perfect teacup for my social club. This visit was particularly exciting as I already had a pattern in mind for the tea set I wanted to create, which we intended to gift to clients and other friends and family.

Creating a tea set is not as simple as you may think! Especially one crafted from scratch, by hand, by talented masters. 

In my quest to create the ideal cup, I explored various designs, both with and without handles. 

Did you know that the shape and size of a cup can significantly influence the tea’s flavor and aroma? 

I had an inkling about this but didn’t fully appreciate the extent until I explored various designs. 

Wider cups turned out to be better for aromatic teas like green or oolong, as they allow the tea to cool quicker and release more aroma. 

For preserving the warmth and flavor of black or herbal teas, taller, narrower cups were more suitable.

Another consideration was what material to use to make my set.

Modern tea sets are often made from materials like stoneware, earthenware, or glass. Stoneware is durable and good at retaining heat but is more porous than porcelain. 

Earthenware, which includes terracotta, is more affordable but less durable and can be quite porous, potentially absorbing flavors and odors. 

Glass tea sets are inexpensive and non-porous, offering a neutral flavor experience, but they may not retain heat as well as porcelain or stoneware. Some tea sets are made from plastics or metals like stainless steel, which are cost-effective but may alter the taste of the tea.

Having traveled to all the way to Jingdezhen, of course, I was looking for my tea set to be made of porcelain. 

Porcelain is often considered a higher-quality material for tea sets because it is durable, non-porous, and has good thermal retention properties. This makes it ideal for maintaining the temperature and purity of the tea. 

As a result, porcelain tea sets tend to be more expensive than those made from other materials, reflecting their quality, craftsmanship, and the tradition behind their production.  This was exactly what we were looking for, especially since we wanted to make sure that every sip was as good as the first, without any compromise in quality or experience.

With or without handles? 

I must admit, I spent way too much time deciding between cups with or without handles.

It may seem trivial to some but teacups with and without handles serve different purposes and reflect various cultural preferences and brewing traditions.

Handle-less cups, for example, are more popular in Asian tea ceremonies and allow the drinker to embrace the cup, feeling the warmth and appreciating the tea’s aroma and temperature, fostering a more intimate and sensory experience. These cups are typically used for teas served at a temperature that is comfortable to hold, like green or oolong teas, which are brewed at lower temperatures.

Cups with handles on the other hand, are more common in Western tea-drinking cultures and provide comfort and convenience for handling hotter beverages without burning the fingers. They are ideal for teas that are brewed at higher temperatures, such as black tea or herbal infusions, where the handle ensures that the heat does not make the cup too hot to hold comfortably.

Read more – Join me and my best friends in a tea appreciation event. 

Finally, the pattern

The artistic design was of course a focal point, especially since the pattern needed to reflect the aesthetics and values of our social club. It wasn’t just about the visual appeal; the design also played a role in the user’s experience and interaction with the tea.

At every step during the process, functionality was my main concern. I wanted, above all, to design cups that were not only beautiful but also practical for use, cleaning, and storage so that the sets could be enjoyed for many many years. 

Tea lover? Read this post – 7 Advanced Tea Organization Tips for the Ultimate Tea Lover

During my stay in Jingdezhen, I immersed myself in the local ceramic culture, engaged with the master ceramicists to understand their techniques, and participated in workshops to deepen my knowledge of this art form. 

This hands-on experience helped me create a tea set that represented the essence of our club and paid homage to the traditional craftsmanship of Jingdezhen.

Reflecting on my trip to Jingdezhen, I realized it was more than just about creating a tea set; it was a deep dive into how the little things in life, like a meticulously crafted cup, can be full of meaning. 

The whole process, from choosing the clay to the final glaze, showed me the importance of the finer details that often go unnoticed but make all the difference.

Chatting with the local artisans, seeing their careful approach to each piece, really hit home for me. It’s easy to think of a tea set as just another item in the house, but there’s so much story and tradition behind it. 

These artisans put their hearts into their work, passing down techniques and styles through generations. It’s not just pottery; it’s a living history in your hands.

This journey taught me that the details matter, not just in the art of ceramics but in life too. 

It’s those little things that often bring us the most joy and satisfaction, like the perfect cup of tea in a beautifully crafted cup. 

It made me see that paying attention to the small stuff, taking a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind everyday objects, can really enrich our lives.

If you enjoyed this post, please share it with a loved one who also appreciates a warm cup of tea. Follow me on socials for more updates and read more of my blog posts to learn more about how to live a more intentional life. 

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