What kind of cup is a mug?

There are several theories about the origin of the mug. One theory suggests it dates back to the Neolithic period, with mugs found in both China and Japan. The first cylindrical mug made of clay, without a handle, is suspected to have been a ritual vessel. Another theory places the first mug in Constantinople around 1475. In the 16th century, Scandinavians used this single-handled vessel to hold water. Due to its simple design and sturdy body, it was not easily broken, and people began using it to drink hot beverages such as milk, coffee, and tea. In the 18th century, trade between China and Europe led to Europeans bringing large mugs with handles to Jingdezhen for processing, gradually popularizing mugs in China. By the mid-to-late 19th century, the mug design had been introduced from the West into daily life in China. Mugs produced during the Republic of China period were typically cylindrical, large, and thick to maintain the temperature of hot drinks. With frequent cultural exchanges and the growing popularity of mugs in coffee culture, they have become an ubiquitous drinking cup in modern life. In 2017, smart temperature-controlled mugs were released. In 2023, the Gansu Provincial Museum launched original hand-drawn cultural and creative mugs. In 2024, JD.com partnered with Moutai Cultural Tourism to release a limited-edition "Slow Drinking" mug. In March 2025, Xiaomi Life stainless steel mugs were released.

 

The mugs can be decorated with decals, paintings, and other designs featuring animals, plants, and people. Suitable for holding all kinds of hot drinks, their practicality and stability make them very popular for home and office use.