Yunomi Tea Cups

The main difference between the Western tea cup and Japanese tea cups is the handle. Japanese tea cups do not have a handle. There are also two main types of tea cup: the teacup-shaped ‘Kumidashi’ and the cylindrical ‘Yunomi’.

Yunomi

This is for everyday use, and it fits comfortably in the hand. The Yunomi can hold a lot more tea than the
Kumidashi cup, and the tea has a smaller surface area exposed to the air, so it doesn't cool down as easily.

The Yunomi is one of the most affordable handmade Japanese ceramics and it might get used every morning.
It is wonderful to choose one that is easy to hold and feels right. Smaller ones are popular for Gyokuro drinkers, and those who want to drink a lot choose
larger ones. If you find the perfect Yunomi, your morning ritual can be an elegant experience!

Kumidashi

Traditionally, Japanese people use the Kumidashi for serving a cup of tea to guests. The Kumidashi has
a wide mouth, which allows you to enjoy the colour of the tea more, and is suitable for high-grade sencha.

How to choose the best Yunomi for yourself

Thickness

 The first thing to look for when choosing a teacup is its thickness. Thinner teacups are lighter and easier
to hold, while thicker teacups retain less of the heat.

I find that it is difficult to hold hot tea with a thin Yunomi. It will depend on the person. If you pinch the rim of the cup against the base, you will be able to hold it
securely. Thinner teacups allow you to feel the temperature of the tea, but they can also cool more quickly. If you make tea frequently this may not be a
problem, but if you plan on making a lot at once, a thicker teacup is best as it retains less of the heat.

 

Material

Each material has its own characteristics. Ceramic teacups are prone to stains from tea if it is left in them for a long time, but they require a little effort to maintain, and you will grow to love them and they will develop a unique character the more you use them.

Porcelain teacups have the advantage of not transferring aroma or colours easily, and many are thin and easy to use. Try to find one that suits your style. 

Size

 It is important to choose a size that fits comfortably
in your hand. It's also fun to change the size to suit your purpose and lifestyle. We have variety of sizes of Yunomi. A small cup is generally suitable for a high grade of green tea such as Gyokuro tea.

 

Rim 

The part of the teacup where the mouth rests is called
the rim, and a curved rim makes it easier to drink from and has a gentle feel on the mouth.

 

If you often drink tea that is brewed at a high temperature, such as bancha, hojicha or black tea, we recommend a Yunomi with a curved rim.

Design

There is a variety of designs, but our collection of
Yunomi is all handmade! Choose one that you like. You might even choose to have different Yunomi for different types of tea. It’s certainly true that tea ware can change the taste of the tea quite dramatically.