The ex smashed all of them, the day I left. Well, this is what happens with pottery. It all breaks, given time. I got off cheap, really. Can't remember now, which ones were lost. Only the blue and white Czech teapot, I kept a shard of that for many years, as a reality chit, a tactile reminder.
I like a mug I can fit my fist into, which means it's large enough and can be properly cleaned. Although not all my mugs fit that description. I like real ones, not the ultra-light ones with cleaver sayings. But a well made mug should feel a bit lighter than it looks, certainly not heavier.
Held one today, at the Japanese market. A mid tone, complex, green glaze, raw around the bottom, Japanese script as decoration. I picked it up, and it nestled into my hand, light and comfortable. At $20, and me with plenty at home, I did not get it. But I made D come over and hold it. He felt the quality as well.
When I went to Basic, someone told me to take a mug along, with a cover. I had a plastic one, came in very useful. Didn't have to run down to the fountain for water at night, in the overheated, dehydrated barracks. Washed down the Motrin, Vitamin M, with a real cup, instead of always a gulp from the cooler. Ever since, having a water holding vessel of my own has meant home. Had a mug in Saudi, and an immersion heater for tea. When we took the train out to Boston, I had one of my own small cups, to rinse after we brushed our teeth. I pack a mug when we travel, one that I won't mind too much if it breaks. Have one at work in my cubby.
Seems such a simple thing, sturdy but easily breakable. Without at least one, it would hardly feel like home.
Some have something to say. The Krazy Kat D put together for me, twice. Xmission mug I've had for many, many years, as with the KUER pledge gift. The red one belongs to D, and it's for cocoa, with lots of milk. I gave it to him, and despite the simple taste of the humor, he always giggles when I give it to him.
The one on the left broke it's lid, then broke, but I am not ready to throw it away. It is glued, the string no longer needed, but I think it adds a kind of charm. The new one is used for white tea.
These are just cobalt blue, which is enough for me.
And this is the current crew all together. I usually give the recycled green glass one to Dave.*
* You know, Dave.
7 comments:
Appreciating your mug collection, I sauntered off into the kitchen ... I have one mug that isn't meant for beer. It's a sturdy thing, handthrown Ohio clay and glazed in the Japanese style. It's for my morning coffee.
I suppose I could use it for beer though.
Rou,
Certainly, beer will taste lovely in a good mug. Especially a good coffee stout.
Now I'm realizing I missed a few, one in the dishwasher, and some handleless mugs. Another post.
I thought the string was a deliberate design statement, until I read further. I like it, either way. It seems you see mugs as your anchor.
Like these kind of posts about everyday things, their histories and associations. Last time in the UK I got Tom a big china tea mug with the periodic table on it. We talk about it less now but it certainly improved my knowledge of the latter. Good bone china is stronger than pottery; my hand thrown blue pottery tea mug is chipped all round the rim and snicks at the handle but keeps going and I still love it.
I'm not much of a mug user as I don't drink coffee or tea. As for water, my office has real glasses and a dishwasher, so I get a newly cleaned glass every day.
ER,
I have to admit to it being accidental, but acknowledged.
Lucy,
Clay chips, no question.
Phil,
Oh, that is nice. I just like having a handle, and I will drink anything, hot or cold, from a nice mug.
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