Research-- Names for shapes of tea cups

(Royalalbert, 2008)

(Royalalbert, 2008)

British tea cup--

With handle because in the past they use Turkey's glass cup but this material is not suitable for drinking hot tea so when British start to enjoy the hot tea, they decided to add the handle for the cup.  

(Wen- Qi  Lo, 2009)

Chinese tea cup--

Different time have different style but most of them do not have handle because according to the Wen- Qi  Lo, The most wonderful taste of green tea should be produced when the water temparature is 15 degree (c) below the boiling point. Namely, after the process of boiling tea, the water  temperature would reduced about 10- 15 degree. We must wait patiently and the temparature of the tea cup would be just right to hold in hands therefore By not putting handle, it make people be more aware of the serving temparature. 

Reference:

JARRY, M.,1981, Chinoiserie:Chinese influence on European decorative art,17th and 18th century, New York: The Vicine Press.

ROYALABERT, Royal Albert China - Reference [on-line],Royal Albert China Available at:Websitehttp://www.royalalbertpatterns.com/reference%20pages/China%20Piece%20Guide.htm[Accessed 8 June 2013]

Wen- Qi  Lo, 2009, A study of communication and connotation on chinese teacup[on-line], Shu-Te University, Available at:http://ir.lib.stu.edu.tw/ir/bitstream/310903100/1585/1/中式茶杯造型的傳達性與意涵之研究.pdf [Accessed 8 June 2013]