Moroccan Tea Glasses

Q: Q: What are Moroccan tea glasses called?

A: In Moroccan Arabic, tea glasses are called kissan (كيسان). The metal holder that surrounds the glass is called a gerrah.

Younes mouth-blows every glass at 1,200°C near Madrasat Ben Youssef — each piece unique in colour and wall thickness.

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Moroccan Tea Glasses — Handblown Glass & Metal Holder Sets

Moroccan tea glasses — called kissan in Moroccan Arabic — are handblown glass cups, often set in silver or brass metal holders, that are the standard vessel for mint tea service across Morocco. Each glass in our collection is individually crafted by artisans in Marrakech, using techniques passed down through generations of glassblowers and metalworkers. From the simplest beldi recycled-glass tumbler to ornate filigree-encased tea glasses with gold gilt detailing, the collection spans every style of Moroccan tea glass used in homes, riads, and ceremonial gatherings.

Choosing Moroccan Tea Glasses

Moroccan tea glasses fall into three main styles, each suited to different uses:

Filigree metal-holder glasses — Clear or frosted glass cups enclosed in hand-worked silver or gold-tone metal holders with intricate pierced patterns. These are the classic Moroccan tea glass seen in ceremonial service and are the most searched-for style internationally. Available as sets of 6 with matching patterns.
Hand-painted glass glasses — Beldi-style tumblers with hand-applied enamel designs: geometric patterns, floral motifs, henna-inspired scrollwork, or gold rim bands. No two sets are identical. Ideal for everyday tea service, espresso, or decorative use.
Recycled glass tumblers — The simplest form: handblown from recycled glass in Marrakech’s artisan workshops, often with a characteristic aqua-green tint. These are the same glasses used in Moroccan homes for daily mint tea. Dishwasher-safe and the most affordable option.

Authentic Craftsmanship from Marrakech

The metal holders on filigree glasses are made by hand in Marrakech’s copper souk, where artisans shape, pierce, and solder each holder using traditional chasing and engraving tools. The glass inserts are handblown separately, then fitted into the metal holders — a two-stage craft that combines glassblowing with metalwork. The glassblowing tradition in Marrakech produces recycled glass tumblers using low-temperature kilns that give the glass its characteristic slight irregularities and organic feel. Read about the Moroccan glass tradition and the artisans who shape glass by breath.

Size, Care & Specifications

Most Moroccan tea glasses in this collection measure 8–10cm tall (3–4 inches) with a capacity of 3–4oz (90–120ml), which is the standard size for Moroccan mint tea service. Sets come in groups of 6, matching the traditional Moroccan tea set format. Metal-holder glasses should be hand-washed and dried promptly; recycled glass tumblers are dishwasher-safe. See individual product pages for exact dimensions.

Moroccan Tea Glass Questions Answered

Q: What are Moroccan tea glasses called?

A: In Moroccan Arabic, tea glasses are called kissan (كيسان). The metal holder that surrounds the glass is called a gerrah.

Q: Are Moroccan tea glasses dishwasher safe?

Most Moroccan tea glasses can technically survive gentle dishwasher cycles (delicate setting, top rack only), but hand washing is strongly recommended to preserve hand-painted decorations, gold rim details, and the delicate hand-blown shape. High heat and harsh dishwasher detergents gradually fade painted designs and can cause thin-blown glass to crack from thermal stress. A 30-second hand rinse with warm soapy water and immediate drying preserves the beauty and extends the life of your glasses significantly.

Q: What are the different styles of Moroccan tea glasses?

Moroccan tea glasses come in four main styles: Beldi glasses (traditional clear or lightly tinted hand-blown glass with organic imperfections that prove handcrafting), painted glasses (decorated with henna-style patterns in gold, red, or multicolor), crystal-style glasses (clear with geometric facets for a more formal appearance), and colored glasses (vibrant jewel tones of cobalt, amber, or emerald). Our collection also includes glasses with matching saucers for elevated presentation. Sets of 6 are standard for traditional Moroccan hospitality.

Q: How are authentic Moroccan tea glasses made?

Authentic Moroccan tea glasses are hand-blown by specialized glassblowers in small workshops, primarily in Marrakech and Fez. Our artisan Younes works near Marrakech's historic Madrasat Ben Youssef, shaping molten glass at 1,200°C using traditional lung-powered blowing techniques that create subtle variations in thickness, slight asymmetry, and occasional tiny bubbles — all markers of authentic handcraftsmanship. No two hand-blown glasses are identical, which is considered a quality indicator rather than a defect in Moroccan craft culture.

Q: What size are Moroccan tea glasses?

Traditional Moroccan tea glasses are intentionally small — typically 60-100ml capacity, roughly 2-3.5 fluid ounces. This small size is deliberate: Moroccan mint tea is served in multiple short pours rather than one large serving, and the petite glass allows the tea to cool to sipping temperature quickly. The small size also concentrates the aroma beautifully in the tapered rim. If you prefer larger servings, our collection includes some taller Moroccan-style glasses up to 150ml while maintaining the traditional aesthetic.

Q: What is the silver holder on Moroccan tea glasses?

A: The metal holder surrounding Moroccan tea glasses is a handcrafted sleeve made from silver-tone or gold-tone alloy. It protects fingers from the hot glass, provides a decorative grip, and reflects the tea’s colour through its pierced patterns. This metalwork tradition originates from Marrakech’s copper souk.

Q: Can Moroccan tea glasses be used for other drinks?

Absolutely — Moroccan tea glasses are versatile and stunning for many uses beyond mint tea. They're popular for espresso shots (the cultural equivalent in visual drama to Italian espresso service), water, juice, cocktails, and shot glasses. Their hand-blown quality and decorative patterns make them eye-catching for any table setting. Many interior designers use them as decorative accents even when not serving beverages. Our multicolor beldi glasses are particularly versatile and complement both Moroccan and contemporary table settings beautifully.

Q: How many glasses do I need for a Moroccan tea set?

A: A traditional Moroccan tea set includes 6 glasses, matching the standard Moroccan tea pot capacity. All sets in this collection are sold as sets of 6 for this reason. See our complete Moroccan tea sets for pre-assembled sets including teapot, tray, and glasses.

Q: How do I prevent Moroccan tea glasses from breaking?

Hand-blown glass is more delicate than machine-made glass — the irregular thickness distribution means it's sensitive to temperature shock and physical impact. Avoid pouring boiling water directly into a cold glass; instead warm the glass first with a small amount of warm water. Always hand wash rather than dishwasher. Store upright rather than stacked (stacking causes rim chips). Handle with care near edges. Despite their delicacy, well-handled Moroccan tea glasses last for years — our artisan Younes' family has used the same set for over a decade.

Q: Are the tea glasses heat-resistant?

Yes — all our Moroccan tea glasses are made from heat-resistant glass designed to handle boiling mint tea safely. Hand-blown Beldi glasses have naturally thicker walls than machine-made alternatives, which improves heat resistance. Always pre-warm your glasses by swirling a small amount of hot water inside before pouring tea — this prevents thermal shock and extends the life of the glass significantly.

Complete Your Authentic Tea Experience

Create the perfect Moroccan tea ceremony with our handcrafted individual pieces.
Whether you're expanding your collection, replacing a cherished piece, or building
a custom gift, each item maintains the same artisanal quality as our Tea glasses.

Handcrafted silver and brass teapots with traditional hand-engraved geometric patterns

Master the Art of Moroccan Tea Culture

From brewing the perfect cup to caring for your treasured pieces - explore our expert guides that transform tea drinking into an authentic cultural experience.