Japanese Mug, Brown and Yellow Fans

A large dark mug covered in golden yellow fans, for long tea or coffee breaks.

On a dark brown background, open fans overlap all the way up the mug. Some are filled with golden yellow, others simply drawn in light lines. This interplay between solid and outline gives the decoration relief and depth without making it busy.

Inside, a bluish celadon glaze contrasts with the dark exterior. The square handle, covered in the same glaze, offers a firm grip. The base, left unglazed, reveals the brown clay and gives the mug an authentic character.

In Japan, the folding fan is an auspicious motif: its shape, which widens as it opens, evokes a future that opens up and prosperity that grows. It appears on kimonos, festive objects and tableware.

This mug is made in Gifu Prefecture, the region of Mino ware (Mino-yaki), one of Japan’s great centres of tableware production. With its 400 ml, it accompanies the morning coffee as well as afternoon tea or an evening herbal tea.

Highlights

• Fan pattern: a Japanese symbol of good fortune and prosperity.
• Large size: 400 ml for large hot drinks.
• Careful contrast: brown and gold exterior, bluish celadon interior.
• Unglazed base: the brown clay remains visible.
• Mino ware: made in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

Product information

• Type: Japanese mug
• Material: ceramic
• Origin: Japan (Gifu Prefecture, Mino ware)
• Dimensions: height 13 cm, Ø 8.5 cm
• Capacity: 400 ml
• Colours: brown, golden yellow, celadon
• Pattern: fans
• Finish: glazed, raw base
• Care: hand washing recommended, microwave safe
• Style: traditional Japanese

How to use

After use, rinse the mug with lukewarm water and dry the unglazed base well. It also makes a lovely gift for a tea lover: the fan is an auspicious motif in Japan.

Frequently asked questions

What does the fan symbolise in Japan?

Its shape, which widens as it opens, evokes a future that opens up and prosperity that grows. It is an auspicious motif.

What is Mino ware?

It is the ceramic ware produced in the Mino region, in Gifu Prefecture, one of Japan’s main tableware manufacturing centres.

Is this mug dishwasher and microwave safe?

Like all ceramics, it is best washed by hand: the dishwasher is not recommended. It can, however, go in the microwave without any problem.