Tea Cups For Worshipping

Being an important aspect of the Chinese culture, the social or non-religious function of ancestor worship is to cultivate kinship values like filial piety, family loyalty, and continuity of the family lineage.

Ancestor worship is a family affair. It is normally held at homes and temples which consists of offering joss sticks, serving as communication and greetings to the deceased, prayers and offering items before tablets.

At home, the shrines can be a shelf on the wall, a table or an altar like architectural structure, integrated in the structure of the house or even an entire room, depending on the financial status of the family.

The shrine will show a tablet with the ancestor's name inscribed on it, as well as a picture or photograph. Most likely, the ancestors and their wives will be honoured.

The shrine will have an incense stick holder, at times with a Golden Flower, and plates for food offerings, some might feature glasses or a set of tea cups for quenching the ancestors’ thirst.

Some shrines show symbolic objects or objects honoured by the deceased. Flowers offerings, most likely fresh ones or sometimes in form of a garland, can be found as well.

Small offerings are always placed throughout the year to honour deceased family members.

Here is a set of four small tea cups with lids and saucers from my collection.
Height: 3.5cm, Diameter: 4cm each

Tea cups
Picture 1

Tea cups
Picture 2

Tea cups
Picture 3

Tea cups
Picture 4