A Collection of Cups to Experience the Beverage Culture of Different Countries

Tea drinking is the quintessential English custom. The average annual per capita tea leaf consumption in England is 1.9 kilograms. “Starting and ending each day with tea” is the essence of the British beverage culture. Popular tea varieties include English Breakfast and Earl Gray, and it’s quite common to see people drinking steaming hot tea from Wedgwood cups.

A British brand known for its exquisite bone china.

The long and storied history of Wedgewood, founded in 1759, is representative of the evolution of the entire porcelain industry. Wedgwood tableware has adorned the dining tables of British monarchs and numerous other heads of state since the time of Queen Charlotte. Wedgwood makes all types of bone china products, which have the distinction of containing the highest bone ash concentration in the world. Compared to ordinary porcelain, bone china is sturdier and more resistant to shattering. Bone china also has a high degree of heat retention and is known for its translucency, giving it both functional and aesthetic value. The proportion of added bone ash not only directly influences the properties of the product, but also shows a brand’s craftsmanship.

Gifted by Catherine Nettleton, Representative of the British Office Taipei
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This mug features a pattern inspired by the emblem of the House of Commons. The House of Commons emerged in the 14th century. The Parliament of the United Kingdom is bicameral, and both houses of Parliament meet in London’s Palace of Westminster. Compared with the opulence of the Lords Chamber, the Commons Chamber is much simpler and more austere. The House of Commons currently consists of 650 members. However, there are only about 400 seats in the Commons Chamber, and junior members often stand in the aisles during meetings. Aristocrats dominate the House of Lords, while members of the House of Commons are democratically elected, making it the focal point of the political arena. The majority of cabinet ministers and prime ministers have belonged to the House of Commons.

Gifted by Nigel Evans, President of the British-Taiwanese All Party Parliamentary Group, UK House of Commons
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Beer is an integral part of German culture. Oktoberfest is held annually in Munich in October, attracting tourists from all over the world. Many people say that beer is the second staple of German cuisine. After all, it has similar ingredients and can also be found on the dining table during all three meals.

When in Germany, do as the Germans do and have a beer. Beer is an indispensable part of German culture. There are more than 1,500 breweries in Germany, and each region produces beer with its own distinct taste. Oktoberfest is held annually in Munich in October and attracts hordes of tourists from all over the world. The traditional German beer stein with a lid and handle is a classic symbol of German beer culture. The body often has painted relief decorations of famous German scenic spots and historical sites. In the past, royalty and nobility used beer steins during banquets. Nowadays, they’re used at German bars and are also must-buy tourist souvenirs.

Gifted by Erdal Elver, President and CEO Siemens Ltd., Taiwan
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Hannover is an important transport hub located in northern Germany. Its strategic location has made it a major center for the industry and the exhibition industry. The Hannover Messe started in 1947 and has developed into the world’s largest industrial technology fair. Industry players from all over the world gather in Hannover every year to publish the latest technologies and discuss business opportunities. Hannover Fairgrounds has an area of one million square meters and 27 halls. It is operated by Deutsche Messe AG, which has an average annual income of 250 million euros, and serves as the engine for the local exhibition economy. The Hannover Fairgrounds is shown on the beer mug in the image.

Gifted by Hartmut Koschyk, Former Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance
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Sake has been closely associated with Japanese life for thousands of years. Although the technique for brewing sake was adapted from that for making Jiangsu and Zhejiang rice wine, it has evolved into a process unique to Japan. The color of Japanese Sake is clear light yellow or transparent. It is gentle on the palate and aromatic, very different from the experience of Chinese rice wine. Sake has found its way into modern life, from special occasions to everyday dining. It is undoubtedly the quintessence of Japan.

Gifted by Hirobumi Matsuzawa, President of Japan's Cherry Blossom Association
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