Why don't chinese teacups have handles

It is a Chinese custom to pour tea only up to 70% into a small handleless tea cup. While this is practical way to avoid unnecessary spills that might hurt the hands of the tea drinker, there is also a philosophical intent: the remaining 30% is to be “filled” with friendship and affection.

1. What is a tea cup without handle?
2. Why do Chinese tea cups have lids?
3. Do all tea cups have handles?
4. When were handles added to tea cups?

What is a tea cup without handle?

These are often called “sipper cups.” They are probably the oldest form of tea cup. To use them properly you need to put two fingers under and your thumb on top of the cup.

Why do Chinese tea cups have lids?

Lidded tea bowls are usually preferred to teapots with spouts because the wide opening on a lidded tea bowl allows the tea leaves to be viewed while brewing. Once brewed, the lidded tea bowl is held in a way that allows a small gap between the bowl and lid to decant the tea liquor while leaving the tea leaves behind.

Do all tea cups have handles?

The difference is that a chinese teacup does not have a handle/"ear" while an English teacup does have a handle/"ear." For one thing, they're infinitely easier to store since they can be stacked. For another, they are just a smaller version of a traditional chinese bowl, not as common in England as in China.

When were handles added to tea cups?

In the year 1750, a man named Robert Adams influenced the addition of handles to the cups. He motivated this new design because the traditional ones could sometimes be very clumsy.