Flared Japanese mug, blue flowers

A flared mug where blue flowers crowd against each other, like a carpet of petals.

The five-petalled flowers are drawn in a mid blue, a little softer than indigo, with a darker centre. They cover the whole outside and sometimes overlap. Between them, fine broken lines form an irregular network, reminiscent of cracked ice or crazing in a glaze.

The white background takes on a slightly bluish tint, and the inside stays a very pale blue-grey. A brown line circles the rim and follows the outline of the handle.

The shape is flared: narrow at the bottom, it opens wide towards the top. The foot is left as unglazed brown clay, a warm contrast beneath this fresh decoration. The rounded handle offers a comfortable grip, even with slightly sleepy fingers in the morning.

The mug is shaped in a mould, then finished by hand; the decoration is applied with transfer paper. The joins between the flowers can vary slightly from one mug to another.

For tea, coffee or hot chocolate, with a touch of spring all year round. Made in Japan, in the Mino region.

Highlights

• Carpet of flowers: five-petalled blue flowers all the way around.
• Background of broken lines: a fine network that adds depth to the decoration.
• Soft blue: a lighter shade than indigo, fresh and bright.
• Flared shape: a wide rim, pleasant to drink from.
• Brown clay foot: the raw base contrasts with the glazed decoration.

Product information

• Type: mug with handle
• Material: ceramic
• Origin: made in Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 8.5 cm, height 8.8 cm
• Shape: flared, unglazed foot
• Colours: blue and white, bluish grey inside, brown foot
• Pattern: five-petalled flowers on a background of broken lines
• Finish: glazed, brown line on the rim and handle
• Presentation: sold individually
• Style: Japanese, floral

How to use

Its wide opening suits brewed tea or a café au lait, the kind you like to drink slowly. It also has its place on a breakfast table, next to other blue and white pieces.

For care, preferably wash it by hand; the dishwasher is not recommended. It can go in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions

What are the fine lines around the flowers?

They form a background of broken lines, a bit like ice cracking. They make the flowers stand out and give depth to the decoration.

Why a flared shape?

It is a matter of style and comfort: the wider rim is pleasant on the lips, and the narrower foot keeps the mug stable.