Novica Handmade Calming Cup Celadon Ceramic Mug

Description

Enjoy a calming cup of tea or piping hot coffee using this adorable elephant mug designed by Thai artisan Penpan. Hand crafted from celadon ceramic, the mug features an unglazed rim and an elephant motif on a light green base with a crackled finish.

Product Features:

• Dimension: 3.8″ H x 5″ W x 3.1″ D
• Weight: 0.79
• Color: Green
• Material: Ceramic
• Microwave safe
• Dishwasher safe
• Features a crackled finish
• Made in Thailand

Story Behind the art:
My name is Penpan Wangviwat. I am the owner of a celadon ceramics workshop, which was founded in 1976 as a part of other family endeavors. My passion for nature and the traditional lifestyle that has surrounded me has helped me to discover the art of pottery with the charm of ancient ceramics, such as the unearthed celadon wares from Thailand’s Sukothai period.

Celadon is a name for an ancient Chinese innovation in ceramics discovered over 2000 years ago. I’ve been fascinated by the beauty of celadon ever since I was a student. At that time, I saw many famous traditional handicrafts, such as Thai silk, cotton, pottery, and wood sculptures.

In 1976, my friend and I started a small ceramic workshop for crafting celadon ware. We didn’t know much about the process at first but, by learning from some craftsmen from older generations, we studied and improved our techniques. We started with just one ceramic kiln and 10 assistants. Our first line of products included plates, bowls, mugs, vases, and small home decor pieces that we sold to local people and tourists.

Our main strength is that we try to preserve the authentic celadon glazing mixture formula, which comes from two kinds of wood ash mixed with topsoil obtained from freshly harvested rice fields. The greenish color of celadon gives the each piece a glossy surface that is as beautiful as jade, without the use of chemical pigments. Celadon involves a reaction of the natural organic substances blended with the atmosphere of the high-temperature kiln. The position of each piece in the kiln is also a major part of the glazing process. The age of the two kinds of wood that provide the ash also influences the color shading. Each part of the process influences the others and is, in turn a characteristic of the standard green celadon. Charming in its glossy, but uneven color, celadon features a unique crackled surface, making each new piece distinct from the rest.

Due to Thailand’s deforestation, the two kinds of wood that we used became rare. Also, the firing control technique has become too complicated to be competitive in the marketplace.

The workshop is my family’s livelihood, and my daughter is my successor.

Awards:2001 and 2003: Unesco – Ahpada 2001 Seal of Excellence for Handicraft Products in Southeast Asia

2014: World Craft Council (WCC) – Award of Excellence for Handicrafts 2014 South East Asia Programm

The handmade touch of artisan skill creates variations in color, size and design. If buying two of the same item, slight differences should be expected. Note: Color discrepancies may occur between this product and your computer screen.

Imported

Specifications:

Item #:38656024

Assembled Dimensions:3.1 In. L X 5.0 In. W X 3.8 In. H

Material:Ceramic

Pattern:Animal

Color:Green

Product Features:Microwave Safe

Shape:Round

Model Number:395385