What are the main differences between Chinese and Japanese tea in the way they are served?

Question

Mainly in regards to the cups

Answer 1

I was apprenticed to Japanese potters for several years throwing Japanese tea cups on the wheel. These stoneware cups (fired at 1250 deg Celcius) are generally larger in size than the Chinese ones with varying shapes but smaller than a coffee mug without a handle; above all Japanese cups have a "foot" to stand on - this is an important design feature in Japanese culture and meticulous attention is paid to the foot (handmade pottery).

Chinese teacups tend to taper down like a cone with sizes ranging from tiny to nearly coffee-mug size, never with a handle. The larger cups have lids which are sometimes inverted for the cup to rest on and are also use to brush aside the floating tea-leaves while drinking.

Answer 2

Chinese like smaller cups and weaker teas and they use more black teas, the Japanese like a more robust brew in larger cups, and use green teas and grains for flavour.

I worked in Japan during the 1980's, and they are fanatics with there tea, whether it be the brand, quality or style of tea, Chinese teas are aged, heat dried, as I said more black, but they do drink green and white teas, tea in both cultures is a greeting and hospitality beverage, you show your respect to a guest in both household by offering tea.

Answer 3

There are many different tea and cup.  This is a ritual.  Rich people drink the best of the best and fresh of the fresh.  While low class or the poor make tea from grass or anything and use any container that hold liquid any size will do.  Formal and informal.