One of the things that surprises many Westerners when they first encounter Eastern tea ceremonies is the style of the teaware.
From tiny Gong Fu cups, which are only good for one sip, to large Japanese-style cups without handles! For someone used to Western teacups with elegant handles, this style may come as a shock. How do I even hold it without getting burned!? Many ask.
What is a Yunomi Teacup?
Yunomi teacups are medium-sized tea cups ranging anywhere from 90 to 160 ml. They are the most commonly used teacups in Japan and can be found in almost every eatery and home. Unlike the chawan, which is used for more formal Japanese tea ceremonies, Yunomi cups are used for casual everyday tea drinking.
There are many styles of Yunomi teacups, ranging from stoneware, porcelain, glazed, and unglazed teacups. Each style and production material will offer a different tactile and aesthetic experience.
Hagi-style Yunomi – glazed stoneware, known for its slight porosity. Over time, tea seeps into the fine cracks, so the cup takes on stain and character and can subtly influence how the tea feels and tastes, somewhat like a very gentle version of what people experience with Yixing clay teaware. (You can read more about yixing teaware here)
Yunomi are often paired with Kyusu teapots, which are commonly used for brewing green tea in Japan.
What are Meoto Yunomi Teacups?
Yunomi teacups have always been a popular gift, both amongst Japanese people and tourists visiting Japan. Around the world, you can find many Yunomi teacup collectors thanks to the wide variety of styles in which they are created.
Meoto Yunomi teacups are “couple teacups”. They come in pairs and are generally executed in the same style, except one (the “husband” teacup) is slightly bigger than the other (“wife” teacup). They are a very popular wedding gift in Japan.
How Does One Drink From A Yunomi Teacup?
A common and comfortable way to drink from a Yunomi teacup is to use both hands. With one hand hold the teacup and with the other support the teacup from the bottom. Drink slowly savoring the flavor and aroma of each sip.
Japanese teas are usually served at a much lower temperature than teas in the West. For example, Most Japanese green teas are usually served at a temperature between 135 and 175 ℉ (55-80℃).
Since the temperature is low enough, the cup will not burn us. In turn, cupping the warm cup with both hands provides warmth and comfort during the colder months.
What Teas Does One Drink From A Yunomi Teacup?
In Japan, pretty much any tea except for matcha is drunk from Yunomi teacups. Whereas for matcha chawan are used.
Some of the most popular teas in Japan include sencha, genmaicha, and the high-grade gyokuro.