The Origin And Development Of The Mug

Origin
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 decorated ceramic mug with a handle was discovered in Greece around 4000-5000 years ago, but its function cannot be confirmed. Another theory places the first mug in Constantinople around 1475.

 

Development
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. People began using it to drink hot beverages such as milk, coffee, and tea. Some European countries also used mugs to drink hot soup. In 1748, cylindrical wooden mugs appeared in Turkey. In the 18th century, trade between China and Europe increased, and Europeans brought large mugs with handles to Jingdezhen for processing, gradually popularizing the mug in China. In the 19th century, mugs, with their wide rims and thick walls, were considered less refined and were primarily used by the lower and middle classes. By the mid-to-late 19th century, the mug design was introduced from the West into everyday life in China.