The One Type Of Coffee Mug You Should Never Skip If You See It At The Thrift

Whether you consider yourself a thrift grand master or just enjoy popping in to peruse from time to time, there is no doubt that some items constitute as thrifting treasure. While clothing and fabric items certainly yield good results, glassware/mugs may also be considered valuable items to seek out at a thrift store. While there are your standard gems, like cut glass or vintage ceramics, one type of mug should be added to your cart every time you visit a secondhand store. Otagiri mugs are not only made of great quality materials but also offer a truly unique and vintage look that can fit into just about any kitchen aesthetic. These mugs give you a simple way to elevate your coffee bar, cupboards, or just your overall drinking vessel collection. They come in a variety of designs, but the recognizable finish is sure to bring character to your space.

Otagiri mugs are ceramic and stoneware pieces that are particularly notable for their speckled finish. They give off a very vintage aesthetic, matching everything from farmhouse and shabby chic themes to industrial and even more modern designs. The simple stoneware pieces usually feature hand painted scenes or designs, and some of these pieces could be traced back almost 50 years when they began being distributed in San Francisco as imports from Japan.

Otagiri mugs are not only notable by their speckled finish, which may show up inside or outside on the stoneware, but the handle and rim may also be painted a separate color, creating a border that sets these apart from standard ceramic or stoneware of similar finishes. When it comes to thrifted Otagiri pieces, you may or may not find one with the trademark diamond-shaped gold sticker with the letters OMC noting it is an original. Some stickers may also feature the words "Hand Crafted Otagiri Original Japan". These mugs aren't being made by the company anymore, making them a rare find when searching through the cookware in your secondhand shops. Online, the price of these mugs varies from $15 for a set of three to upwards of $60 for a set. Because the designs were painted by various artists, many of these are unique and could be considered more rare.

The coloring of many Otagiri mugs feature grays and muted or deep blues, both of which are great colors to match just about any kitchen. If some of your pieces are chipped or scratched, you may be able to fix them up with food safe epoxy to repair the ceramic or stoneware, though sometimes leaving a little wear and tear adds a unique element.

These mugs would do well hung on a DIY made to show off your coffee and teacup collection while saving cabinet space, especially since they work so well with a variety of home aesthetics.  Alternatively, pair these mugs with a wood mug board or display, and why not transform old spoons into a unique storage rack to pull the vintage theme through? If your Otagiri mugs feature designs, pick other mugs that have similar colors or designs on them and hang these around your find. Think of this display as you would a plate wall, using mugs instead of dishes to create artwork on your surfaces. You could also transform these mugs into a stylish centerpiece to give them a new role that allows you to display them outside your kitchen.

Don't be afraid to mix and match your stoneware, as this brings interest and dimension. If you happen to find other Otagiri pieces, add these to shelves or nearby surfaces to keep the theme and create a collection that helps your items flow together. Even if you don't have a matching set, these mugs can be displayed on their own alongside other rustic or vintage design pieces.