19 June, 2023

Discovering the Hidden History of Mugs: 20 Fascinating Facts

Mugs are a ubiquitous item in our daily lives. From our morning coffee to afternoon tea breaks, mugs are a staple in our kitchen cabinets. However, there is more to mugs than just being a vessel for our favorite beverages. Here are 20 interesting facts about mugs that you may not have known.

1. The word "mug" comes from the 16th-century Scandinavian word "mugga," which means a drinking vessel with a handle.
2. The first mugs were made of clay and date back to ancient times, with the oldest one being over 8,000 years old.
3. The famous coffee mug we know today was invented in the 1800s by a man named Harvey Adams. He created the first-ever ceramic coffee mug, which was a big hit among coffee lovers.
4. In the 19th century, mugs were made with a groove in the handle so that a person's thumb could rest comfortably while holding it.
5. In the United Kingdom, mugs are sometimes referred to as "cups" or "tea cups."
6. The Guinness World Record for the largest mug collection belongs to David Glickman, who has over 10,000 mugs.
7. The world's most expensive mug was sold at auction for $75,000. It was a rare 18th-century porcelain mug made by the Meissen Porcelain Factory in Germany.
8. The world's largest mug was created by a ceramic artist named Jim Bolin. It is 4.9 meters tall and can hold 1,200 gallons of liquid.
9. Mugs are popular collectibles, with many people collecting mugs from different places they've visited or events they've attended.
10. The phrase "mug shot" comes from the 19th century when police would take pictures of criminals and place them on a large poster called a "mug sheet."
11. In Japan, there is a tradition called "Yunomi," which is the use of ceramic mugs for tea. These mugs are often handmade and are decorated with intricate designs.
12. The world's first thermal mug was invented in 1982 by a company called Thermos.
13. The first-ever personalised mug was created in 1865 when a potter named Thomas Briar created a mug with the name "George" on it.
14. In the Middle Ages, mugs were often made of wood or leather and were used to drink beer.
15. The first-ever coffee mug with a handle was created in the 1700s by a French potter named Jacques.
16. The phrase "I don't give a mug" is a polite way of saying "I don't give a damn."
17. The world's largest coffee mug was created in 2012 by a group of students from South Africa. It was over 3 meters tall and could hold over 12,000 cups of coffee.
18. Mugs are a popular promotional item, with many companies giving them away as gifts or using them as part of their marketing campaigns.
19. In China, it is traditional to serve tea in a small, handle-less cup called a "gaiwan."
20. Mugs have become a canvas for art, with many artists creating unique designs on mugs that are sold in galleries or online.

In conclusion, mugs have a rich and fascinating history, with many interesting facts to discover. From their ancient clay origins to modern-day thermal mugs and personalised designs, mugs have evolved to become an essential part of our daily lives. Whether you're a collector, a coffee lover, or simply someone who enjoys a good cup of tea, there's a mug out there that's perfect for you.

The Mugs Only Team