Flared Japanese mug, blue sea urchins

Blue circles bristling with fine rays, packed close together: you think of sea urchins, or of flowers seen very close up.

Each motif starts from a small white centre, dotted with a few blue points, from which fine strokes radiate outwards. The circles partly overlap and cover the whole mug with a lively, regular rhythm. The fairly strong blue stands out clearly against the white background.

It is one of the most original designs in the range: it keeps the blue and white of traditional Japanese tableware, but with an almost graphic drawing that resembles no classic pattern.

The shape is flared, with a wide rim and a rounded light grey handle edged in brown. The inside is white. The foot, in bare orange-toned clay, contrasts with this marine decoration and gives it a warm base.

The mug is shaped in a mould, then finished by hand; the decoration is applied with transfer paper. The arrangement of the circles can therefore vary slightly from one mug to another.

A cheerful, easy mug for every hot drink of the day. Made in Japan, in the Mino region.

Highlights

• Sea urchin pattern: radiating circles, lively and original.
• Strong blue: a clear contrast with the white background.
• Flared shape: a wide rim and a comfortable handle.
• Orange-toned clay foot: the unglazed base warms the whole.
• Natural variations: the position of the motifs varies slightly from piece to piece.

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, white inside, orange-toned foot
• Pattern: radiating circles like sea urchins
• Finish: glazed, brown line on the rim and handle
• Presentation: sold individually
• Style: Japanese, graphic

How to use

Its energetic decoration makes it a good morning companion, for coffee or black tea. It also makes a small gift idea, alone or with other mugs from the collection.

For care, hand washing is preferable; the dishwasher is not recommended. It can go in the microwave.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called "sea urchins"?

The circles bristling with fine rays look like sea urchins resting on the seabed. Some also see stylised flowers in them.

Is it a traditional Japanese pattern?

Not strictly: it is a freer drawing that keeps the blue and white of Japanese tableware with a modern graphic style.