Product Details

Description

Ceramic-Insert Copper Cup Holder — A Union of Two Ancient Crafts

This cup holder (杯托) brings together two of China’s most cherished artistic traditions — Wei County Hammered Copper (濰縣砸銅) and fine ceramic craftsmanship. The result is a piece that is both visually striking and exceptionally functional, where the warmth of hand-hammered metal meets the refined elegance of ceramic.

The Copper Base — Forged Through Tens of Thousands of Strikes

The base of this cup holder is crafted through the ancient art of “Za Tong” (hammered copper) — a traditional Chinese metalworking craft that has been passed down for hundreds of years in Weifang, Shandong. During the Qing Dynasty, Weifang was home to “two hundred red furnaces and three thousand copper craftsmen” — a testament to the scale and sophistication of this craft. Today, it is recognized as a municipal intangible cultural heritage of Weifang.

Wei County hammered copper follows the principle of “one-sheet forging” (一片打) — the artisan works from a single piece of copper, relying on its natural softness and ductility. Through repeated heating (annealing) and hammering — tens of thousands of strikes — the metal is gradually shaped into its final form. The process involves multiple stages: blank forging, design sketching, cutting, shaping, annealing, forming, polishing, and finishing. Historically, this technique was known as “hammering and shaping” (捶揲).

The copper base features a distinctive hammered texture (锤目纹), with each hammer mark serving as the “fingerprint” of the artisan. The surface is finished with either a natural copper tone or an antique patina, giving each piece a unique character that deepens with age and use.

The Ceramic Insert — Smooth, Heat-Resistant, and Elegant

Set into the copper base is a finely crafted ceramic insert, made from high-temperature fired clay. The ceramic surface is smooth and gentle against the tea cup, providing a soft resting place that protects both the cup and the copper base. Ceramic is naturally heat-resistant and non-reactive, making it an ideal material for holding hot tea cups.

The ceramic insert can be produced with a plain, glazed, or decorated finish, depending on the design of the collection.

The Design — A Perfect Union

This combination design is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional:

• The copper base provides a stable, weighty foundation that won’t easily tip or slide.

• The ceramic insert creates a smooth, heat-resistant surface that protects both the tea cup and the copper.

• The contrast between the rugged hammered texture of the copper and the smooth, refined surface of the ceramic creates a striking visual balance.

• The 10 cm standard size fits most traditional tea cups and gaiwan saucers.

The Function — An Essential Tea Ceremony Accessory

The cup holder (杯托) is a small but essential accessory in the Gongfu tea ceremony. Placed beneath each tea cup, it protects the tea table from heat and moisture, catches drips or spills, and elevates the cup slightly for easier handling.

Why This Piece Matters:

• 100% handmade — the copper base is forged by hand through thousands of strikes

• Two ancient crafts in one — combines hammered copper and ceramic artistry

• Intangible cultural heritage craft — rooted in centuries of Weifang copper-working tradition

• Unique character — the hammer texture and patina make each piece one-of-a-kind

• Ceramic insert — smooth, heat-resistant, and gentle on your tea cups

• Functional art — as practical as it is beautiful, perfect for daily tea practice

• Versatile design — the 10 cm standard size fits most teacups and gaiwan