Traditional Chinese teacup

In Chinese tea culture, teacups carry profound symbolic meanings often accompanied by inspirational sayings. The temperature of the tea in the cup should be moderate, as emphasized by the phrase "杯水倒冷茶" (pour cold tea into the cup), highlighting the importance of tasting. "杯中物，寓意深" (The substance in the cup holds deep meanings) signifies that tea soup is not just a beverage but also encapsulates culture and refinement. The shape and design of teacups influence the tea's flavor, thus the saying "杯形适茶，杯口留香" (The cup shape suits the tea, and the cup rim retains the aroma). Proper cleaning and maintenance of teacups are equally vital, as conveyed by "杯清不如杯净，杯净不如杯新" (A clean cup is not as good as a pure cup, and a pure cup is not as good as a new cup), emphasizing cleanliness and novelty. Furthermore, teacups symbolize the emotions and etiquette between hosts and guests in tea ceremonies, playing a crucial role in tea exchange. These sayings and meanings highlight the unique status of teacups in Chinese tea culture, portraying them not just as vessels for tea but as essential mediums for conveying culture, emotions, and refinement.