On Choosing the Right Vessel
The cup you drink from shapes your experience more than you might think. Here's how to find the one that speaks to you.
We drink tea every day, but how often do we think about the cup?
Not the tea itself—we obsess over that. The origin, the processing, the water temperature, the steeping time. But the vessel? It's often an afterthought, whatever's clean and nearby.
This is a mistake.
The Vessel Shapes the Experience
A wide, shallow cup releases heat quickly and presents the tea's color beautifully. A tall, narrow mug keeps it warm longer but hides the liquor. A thick-walled ceramic creates a different temperature experience than thin porcelain.
Beyond physics, there's something more personal at play. The cup you choose is an extension of your mood, your intention, your relationship with this particular moment.
Finding Your Cup
The right vessel isn't about expense or pedigree. It's about fit.
Hold the cup. Does it feel right? Not too heavy, not too light. Does the rim meet your lips comfortably? Is there a handle, and do you want one?
Look at it. Does it please you? Beauty matters in ritual objects. You'll return to this cup hundreds of times—make sure you want to see it.
Consider the context. A yunomi for quiet mornings. A mug with a handle for working at your desk. A sturdy camp cup for the garden.
The Collection Grows
Most tea lovers end up with several cups, each suited to a different occasion or mood. This isn't excess—it's responsiveness to the moment.
The key is intentional selection. When you reach for a cup, let it be a choice, not a default. Let the vessel be part of the ritual.
Your tea deserves it. So do you.