Made especially for tea ceremonies, these special tea cups are known is Japan as 'Chawan'. They've been around for thousands of years, and the production process is extremely difficult and intricate. Chawans were first imported from China between the 13th to 16th centuries, but Japan soon learned to produce their own tea bowls, known as the Tenmoku Chawan.

Nowadays, Chawans are still produced by many master artisans. They're usually designed in line with zen philosophies in mind, which value simplicity and minimalism. The simple lines and colours are meant to convey a certain mood and emotion. Over the centuries, various styles and shapes have been produced, and here are some of them:

1. Ash Glazed Stoneware Chawan by Nishihata Tadashi

via Pinterest

 

2. 'Life Blooming' , Split Foot Chawan by Jusetsu Miwa

via Japan Times

  

3. Bol Chawan by Myria Greff, with Kintsugi

via Pinterest

 

4. Minoyaki ware tea bowl

via Pinterest 

 

5. Black Raku Tea Bowl circa 1810-1838

via Wikimedia Commons

 

6. Shino ware tea bowl, 16th Century

via Wikimedia Commons