I would like to talk about a handcrafted ceramic mug that I picked up during a weekend getaway to Porto, about two years ago. I had gone there with a close friend for a short city break, and while wandering through some quiet backstreets near the river, we stumbled across a tiny pottery workshop.
The mug itself is genuinely striking. It is thrown from coarse terracotta clay, so it has a lovely, rustic texture to it. The lower half is left unglazed, showing off the warm, earthy tone of the raw clay, whilst the upper half is dipped in a rich, speckled cobalt glaze that reminds me of the Atlantic ocean. Because it was made entirely by hand, it has got a few deliberate quirks, like a slightly uneven rim and a wide, sturdy handle that fits really comfortably in my grip.
To be honest, I do not use it for my rushed weekday morning brew because I am terrified of accidentally chipping it in the sink. Instead, I tend to bring it out on lazy Sunday mornings when I have the time to sit down with a fresh filter coffee and a book.
What makes it so special to me is that it is more than just a functional cup; it is a tactile reminder of that holiday. Whenever I hold it, I am instantly transported back to that sunny afternoon exploring the city's winding alleys. I have always preferred picking up one meaningful, artisanal item like this rather than cheap, plastic souvenirs that end up cluttering a drawer. It has a real sense of place and craftsmanship attached to it.