Product Details

Description

Hammered Copper Cup Holder with Engraved Motif — A Personal Touch on Your Tea Table

This cup holder (杯托) is crafted through the ancient art of “Za Tong” (hammered copper) — a traditional Chinese metalworking craft known as Wei County Hammered Copper (濰縣砸銅), which 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.

The Craft — “One Sheet, Tens of Thousands of Strikes”

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, engraving, polishing, and finishing. Historically, this technique was known as “hammering and shaping” (捶揲).

The Material — Pure Copper

This cup holder is made from high-purity copper (purple copper / red copper). Over time and with regular use, the copper surface will naturally develop a rich, warm patina — a living finish that deepens with age, recording the passage of time and the touch of your hand. Each piece is unique — the hammer marks, the engraved design, and the natural evolution of the patina ensure that no two cup holders are exactly alike.

The Design — Engraved Motif or Inscription

What sets this cup holder apart is the hand-engraved decoration on its surface. The artisan carefully carves a decorative pattern or meaningful characters into the copper, adding a layer of personal expression and cultural depth to the piece.

Motif Options (圖案可選):

• Floral patterns (花卉圖案) — lotus, peony, or plum blossom, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and resilience

• Auspicious symbols (吉祥紋樣) — traditional Chinese motifs representing good fortune and harmony

• Geometric designs (幾何紋樣) — clean, modern patterns inspired by ancient bronze ware

• Custom inscription (文字定制) — a meaningful word, name, or short phrase engraved in traditional script

The engraved lines create a beautiful contrast with the rugged hammered texture of the background, making the design stand out while maintaining the piece’s handmade character.

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 serves several purposes:

• Protects the tea table from heat and moisture

• Catches any drips or spills from the cup

• Elevates the cup slightly for easier handling

• Adds an aesthetic layer to the tea presentation

This 10 cm standard size fits most traditional tea cups and gaiwan saucers, making it a versatile addition to any tea table.

Why This Piece Matters:

• 100% handmade — shaped by thousands of hammer strikes and engraved by hand

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

• Personalized character — the engraved motif or inscription gives each piece individual meaning

• Living finish — the copper develops a rich patina with age, becoming more beautiful over time

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