CERAMIC MUGS

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These unique pieces, in addition to adding style to your dinnerware, are a beautiful sustainable option and are gaining more and more popularity.

7 ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A CERAMIC MUG

1. The pieces shown in this publication are all handmade, so they are unique. They have been handmade by very talented ceramists and can be an object that inspires you.
2. By buying a handmade mug we support the artist and small business, helping them to continue their work. They are pieces of special beauty and are part of the artistic legacy of the person who has invested his work in them.
3. Ceramic cups are durable. They are more resistant to shocks than glass. Depending on the glaze, they will also withstand the wear and tear of use and scratches.
4. Ceramic insulates the temperature adequately, in the case of a hot beverage such as tea, it will retain the heat better than metal or glass. It also prevents you from burning yourself when using it. If you enjoy your favorite beer in summer, it will be cold longer.
5. They are an environmentally friendly option, ceramists use environmentally friendly materials and processes. On the other hand, if you take your mug to the office you can avoid using the disposable paper or plastic cups that are in the machines. Remember that there are travel mugs with lids so that you can even take your coffee on the road. If your mug has a tea infuser, you can also avoid disposable tea bags. A cup made of ceramic can last for many years.
6. They are always a great choice for gifts, there are a lot of original designs and there is always one that fits the person with whom you want to have a nice detail.
7. Most of the mugs are microwave and dishwasher safe, unless otherwise indicated by the author. However, some works, due to their special finish, will appreciate a gentler hand wash. We will give you tips on how to care for them below.

CERAMIC COFFEE MUGS

These cups made with the best qualities of clay maintain the temperature and are perfect for coffee, as they have the right thickness. They do not retain the aromas or flavors of other beverages and are very easy to clean.

Ceramic is so widely used for hot beverages because it does not contain toxic chemicals and does not release harmful substances when exposed to high temperatures.

Since ancient times we have used ceramics for coffee and infusions, being such a durable material if cared for, can last hundreds of years, some cups are revalued over time becoming antiques of great value.

There is a great variety of models and types, a possible classification would be according to the capacity of the cup for the different ways of serving coffee.

• 55-85 ml: These are the smallest cups and are used to serve a single espresso.
• 140-170 ml: These cups are used to serve cappuccinos and other milk frothed drinks.
• 225-300 ml: These mugs are ideal for serving larger quantities of coffee and tend to be the most common in homes.
• 300-500 ml: These mugs are larger and are designed to serve coffee with a larger amount of milk, or a more watery coffee.

TYPES OF CUPS MADE OF CERAMIC

In this list you can see all the possibilities you have at your fingertips. Dare to find the perfect mug.

HOW TO CARE FOR AND PRESERVE YOUR CERAMIC MUGS

These high quality pieces can last for a very long time, following a few tips, they will remain in perfect condition for a lifetime.

AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN TEMPERATURE

Although ceramic is a highly heat-resistant material, exposing it to what is called “thermal shock” can cause it to crack. For example, if we have a cup at a very low temperature and we pour boiling liquid into it, it can sometimes damage it, depending on the thickness of the piece and the type of ceramic it is made of.

HOW TO STORE THEM CORRECTLY

Storing the mugs correctly will prevent damage. Avoid stacking them on top of each other, they end up damaging the rims over time, and if done roughly they could chip. If you have enough space, store them separately. If there is a cup that you are not going to use for a long time, store it separately wrapped and protected.

HOW TO CLEAN CERAMIC CUPS

The great majority of cups are dishwasher safe, on the other hand some pieces will be better if they are washed by hand instead of exposing them to the dishwasher continuously. To do so, use a non-abrasive scouring pad and non-aggressive cleaning products.

To clean the dirt embedded in the cups, for example coffee stains from continuous use, our best ally is baking soda. It will help to soak the cup in hot water with baking soda and then gently rub the areas where it is needed, rinsing afterwards and repeating if necessary.

MEET THE WORLD OF MUGS

The history of ceramic cups brings us many fascinating facts. The first cups are believed to have been made in China more than 7,000 years ago, before the Yangshao period. Since then, they have been perfected and developed in different parts of the world, each with its own peculiarities.

In some countries, such as Turkey and Morocco, a special cup is used to serve tea. It is called a “tulip cup” and has a characteristic shape that resembles an inverted tulip.

In the United Kingdom, there are countless museums dedicated exclusively to ceramics and tea cups, in the city of Stoke-on-Trent alone there are three.

In popular culture, they have been and are the object of desire of many fans. For example, mugs from the series Friends or Harry Potter have become tremendously popular, they can be found in many online ceramic stores and the producers of these series and movies invoice large sums in image rights.

WHICH IS THE LARGEST MUG?

The largest in the world is located in the city of Medellín, Colombia. This cup is 7.77 meters high and has a capacity of 19,000 liters.

AND THE MOST EXPENSIVE?

Antique pieces are highly valued among collectors. There are many people who collect antique and rare ceramic mugs and pay large sums of money for them.

The world’s most expensive mug was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 2019, it was a glazed ceramic mug made in China during the Ming dynasty and sold for a staggering $36 million.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Note: This article contains affiliate links that lead to the artists’ stores outside of the Ateologic website. If you buy something from them, we will receive a small commission that will help us to continue our site and in turn continue to support those artists.
This of course does not affect the selling price.