Behind the Craft: The Story of Japanese Mugs and the Hands That Make Them
Introduction
Japanese mugs hold more than just tea or coffee. They carry centuries of tradition, regional identity, and the quiet imprint of the hands that shaped them. While their forms may seem simple, each mug reflects a deep commitment to craft, rooted in heritage and refined through years of practice.
At OTO, we work with independent artisans across Japan who continue these traditions today. This article takes you into one of Japan’s most storied pottery towns, where the making of a mug is both a daily task and an act of cultural preservation.
Meet the Potter: Mr. Hiroshi Tanaka from Mashiko
Located in Tochigi Prefecture, Mashiko is known for its rustic, earthy pottery and its role in reviving mingei, or folk craft, in the 20th century. It’s also where potter Hiroshi Tanaka continues his family’s three-generation legacy.
Hiroshi’s process begins with clay from local hills, which he wedges by hand before forming each mug on the wheel. His shapes are intuitive and slightly irregular, guided more by feel than by measurement. The ridges of his fingers remain visible on the surface, a quiet signature of the maker and a reflection of the wabi-sabi aesthetic, beauty found in imperfection and impermanence.
Design with Purpose
What sets Hiroshi’s mugs apart is the attention to both form and function. Each mug is designed for comfort in the hand, with a gently flared rim that makes sipping feel easy and natural. The weight is deliberate, substantial enough to feel grounded, yet light enough for daily use.
Glazing is its own discipline. Hiroshi uses natural ash glazes that interact with the fire in his anagama kiln, a traditional wood-fired kiln that produces varied, often unpredictable surface effects. No two firings are alike. Each mug has unique markings, burn patterns, and textures shaped by the flames and airflow.
Cultural Significance of the Everyday Mug
In Japan, mugs are not treated as throwaway items. They’re an essential part of daily life and are often chosen with care. A favorite mug might be used for years, appreciated for how it warms in the hands or how it elevates a quiet morning ritual. This kind of relationship with objects is at the heart of Japanese craft philosophy.
For Hiroshi, making mugs is not just about utility. It’s about creating an experience, something tactile and meaningful that invites a moment of stillness.
OTO’s Commitment to Artisans
At OTO, we collaborate directly with potters like Hiroshi to make their work accessible to a wider audience.
Our sourcing approach prioritizes:
Fair pricing and long-term partnerships
Traditional firing and glazing methods
Sustainable production cycles and small batches
Transparent storytelling that honors each maker’s history
When you purchase a Japanese mug from OTO, you’re supporting not just a product but the continuation of a craft lineage that values intention over scale.
Final Thoughts
Japanese mugs are more than vessels. They are physical traces of tradition, shaped by human hands and regional earth. With each sip, they invite you into a slower rhythm and a deeper appreciation for the objects that fill your home.
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Sources
Mashiko Pottery Association – History and Techniques
Interviews with Hiroshi Tanaka, Mashiko Potter
Japan House London – The Cultural Significance of Japanese Ceramics