Peonyceramics introduces vintage coarse ceramic coffee mugs crafted with antique-style clay and traditional Kohiki glaze, featuring hand-painted underglaze designs of loquat and goldfish. Blending retro aesthetics with Japanese-inspired craftsmanship, each mug offers a unique, textured feel that enhances every sip with a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Origins of Kohiki – Vintage Ceramic Coffee Mugs
Kohiki pottery originated during the Goryeo period and was later introduced to central China. At the time, glaze materials were scarce in regions such as Korea and Japan. As a result, artisans began applying a very thin layer of glaze—or in many cases, only a layer of white slip—over the clay body. In some pieces, the underlying clay remained visible through the surface, creating a soft, unfinished look. Over time, this necessity-driven technique evolved into a unique aesthetic that we now recognize as the Kohiki style.
The Art of Kohiki – A Signature Finish on Vintage Ceramic Coffee Mugs
Kohiki is a traditional ceramic technique where artisans apply a layer of white slip—often referred to as ceramic “makeup”—onto the raw clay body. Instead of glazing immediately, they first fire the piece at low temperatures to harden it, then coat it with a layer of plant-ash glaze before high-temperature firing.
While this method is less refined than modern glazing techniques, it delivers a quiet beauty that is second to none. Most Kohiki ceramics appear in soft white tones, bringing a sense of warmth and serenity to the dining table.
This tactile finish offers a soft, almost fabric-like texture—evoking the simplicity of cotton and the elegance of understatement. Though born from humble means, Kohiki pottery quietly conveys refined taste and natural charm.
Kohiki Glaze vs. Regular Glaze: What’s the Difference?
Composition
Regular glazes are typically composed of minerals like feldspar, quartz, talc, and kaolin clay.
By contrast, Kohiki glaze builds upon this traditional base by adding white slip (a type of cosmetic clay) and plant ash glaze, giving it a uniquely organic appearance.
Crafting Techniques
To create a regular glaze, artisans grind mineral materials into a fine slurry, apply it to the ceramic body, and then fire the piece at high temperatures.
Kohiki, however, involves a more layered process. Artisans may use a flat brush to apply white slip across the surface, lightly fire the piece without glaze to harden it, and then finish with a layer of plant ash glaze before the final high-temperature firing.
Visual Appearance
Regular glaze offers a smooth, glossy surface with high transparency and a glassy sheen.
On the other hand, Kohiki glaze features a matte finish with a soft white tone. Its white slip interacts with the iron in the coarse clay body during firing, producing subtle blushes of reddish hues known as hiiro—a unique visual effect prized by collectors.
Vintage Ceramic Coffee Mugs – A Journey Back in Time
In a fast-paced, noisy world, do you long for a quiet corner where your soul can breathe? This vintage coarse ceramic coffee mug is more than a cup—it’s your key to a moment of stillness.
Vintage Aesthetic, Full of Stories
The unrefined texture of the coarse clay feels like a memory etched by time. Each imperfection, each grain in the surface, tells a silent story of the past. Unlike the flawless gloss of modern ware, its raw finish speaks of a life lived fully—real, warm, and grounded.
Preserve the True Flavor of Coffee
Crafted from traditional coarse pottery, this custom handmade mug naturally retains the rich, original flavor of coffee. Every sip feels fuller, bolder—awakening your senses with the kind of depth only natural materials can provide.
Warm Moments, Slow Living
On a lazy afternoon, wrap your hands around the vintage mug and let the warmth spread gently through your palms. As steam curls upward and your favorite book opens on your lap, time slows down, and peace quietly returns.
This handmade ceramic cup isn’t just a vessel—it’s a heartfelt gaze into the charm of the old days. It’s a reminder to slow down, to savor, and to reconnect with yourself. Choose it to begin your own journey into vintage slow living.
