Mino Ware Ceramic Mug, Drops, 280ml

At a glance

• Flowing glaze leaves different trails, pools and colour movement on every mug
• Exposed reddish clay around the lower section adds a warmer, more tactile contrast
• Compact 280ml size for everyday tea or coffee, dishwasher and microwave safe

The glaze is what gives this mug its character.

Instead of settling into one completely even finish, it moves as the mug is fired, creating trails, pools and changes in colour across the surface. The exact pattern varies from piece to piece, so each mug has its own balance of glaze movement rather than a repeated factory-identical finish.

Around the lower section, the warmer reddish clay remains more visible beneath the glaze. That contrast between the smoother glazed body and the more earthy exposed area gives the mug a little more texture and depth when you hold it.

Made in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture, the mug is part of Minoru Touki’s Nagara collection of Mino Ware tableware. The maker develops its original ranges with everyday usability in mind, which fits this piece well: it has enough variation to feel individual, but remains an easy mug to use regularly.

At 280ml, it is a comfortable size for tea or coffee without feeling oversized.