Many pot enthusiasts have likely encountered this situation: after spending a good amount of money on a premium purple clay pot, when they ask the seller to include a few cups, their request is usually denied.

Is the seller being stingy? Why don't they include purple clay cups? Today, let's discuss this issue from several angles.

Set vs. Single Pot

Those who want to include cups are often drawn to the appeal of a “set,” such as the famous Yu Lu Shi Wen set or the Yun Jian Ruyi set.

▲ Yu Lu Shi Wen Set

In reality, when we buy a purple clay pot, it's almost always sold individually and doesn't come with cups; the cups in a set are thematically linked to the pot. They are harmonious in both form and decoration, and just throwing in a couple of random cups with a single pot does not make it a set.

▲ Mei Zhuang Set

The Value of Handmade Cups

Some may argue that even if there's no thematic connection, they'd still be happy with just a couple of cups. Why aren't these provided?

The basic requirement for cups paired with a pot is that they use the same clay. If the pot is made from high-quality clay, it wouldn't make sense to pair it with mass-produced cups, which would be a waste of the material.

▲ Gu Jingzhou Bamboo Cup

If the cups were handmade, the time and craftsmanship costs would be high. In some cases, a finely crafted cup could be just as valuable as a pot. Therefore, sellers typically do not include cups, only offering simple tasting cups made from ordinary clay.

Guest Cups vs. Host Cups

When customers request cups, they often specify two or three, but this can lead to misunderstandings. These requests are typically for guest cups, which should be uniform in shape and size.

▲ Guest Cups

If a seller were to handcraft cups using the same clay as the pot, it would be difficult to make them completely identical. Any inconsistency might lead to customer complaints, so it's easier not to provide them at all.

▲ Host Cup

However, some sellers might agree to provide a single host cup, as this would essentially involve making an additional sale.

So now you should understand why sellers generally do not include cups, unless you purchase a set or specifically request a custom-made cup.

In addition, we recommend trying different types of cups, not just purple clay ones, but also Jian zhan and porcelain cups. Experimenting with different combinations can bring out unique nuances in your Tea drinking experience!

Source: Purple Clay Pot

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