Cups

Cups shape the everyday experience of coffee, tea and other hot drinks through their volume, rim, weight and handle design. Handmade ceramic pieces may be formed from earthenware, stoneware or porcelain, each offering a different balance of refinement and durability. Makers commonly use wheel throwing, slip casting, pinching or slab building, then add carved lines, underglaze painting or layered glazes. The firing temperature and clay body influence both the finished surface and the way a piece feels in the hand.

Capacity is a more useful guide than height alone. A 60–100 ml piece generally suits espresso or Turkish coffee, while volumes around 180–300 ml work well for tea, flat whites and filter coffee. When comparing cups, consider rim thickness, base stability and whether the handle leaves enough room for your fingers. Handleless forms can be compact and comfortable, but the wall may feel warmer. Sets with saucers should sit securely without rocking or sliding excessively.

Before choosing a piece, check that food-contact surfaces use an appropriate glaze and ask whether it is dishwasher and microwave safe. These details vary with the clay, decoration and firing method. Gentle hand washing with a soft sponge can help preserve delicate finishes, metallic details and matte surfaces. Avoid sudden thermal shock, such as pouring boiling liquid into a very cold vessel. Minor variations in colour, dimensions and texture are a natural feature of handmade production rather than evidence that every item will be identical.

Think about the drink you prepare most often, the available cupboard space and the weight you find comfortable for daily use. For matching sets or gifts, it is useful to ask whether the same glaze can be reproduced and how much variation to expect between pieces. Tospika does not process sales; it serves as a showcase for independent makers working in Türkiye. For orders, custom sizing or capacity requests, personalisation options and estimated delivery times, visitors contact the maker directly.