The mugs are made using a typical mold pressing method, with each piece hand-pressed by skilled glass artisans. Some parts of the surface show white lines, which occur due to temperature differences that arise after molten glass is poured into the mold and before the artisan applies the press. This is a unique characteristic of handmade products. Although vintage milk glass does not have such lines, the milk glass of that era was mass-produced by machines that poured glass into molds and pressed them, with different manufacturing processes and conditions.
🧠 About the Design
The story began with a cat mug from Lab Collector. Using it daily brought warmth to hands and heart, so we thought—why not create a meaningful, high-quality, and heat-retaining mug to accompany everyone? Loving the unique heavy feel and opaque colour of milk glass, we partnered with Japan’s Tsunagu Craft to produce this mug. The 280ml size is just right, and it is limited to 90 pieces.
The coffee mug carries three messages, each meant to pass on blessings:
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First, "Live Long And Dolce" is a sweet blessing inspired by the Star Trek Vulcans’ greeting "Live long and prosper," including their iconic salute—which we send to everyone daily!
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On another side, "Be Full Of Beans" is a little reminder you give your friends while holding the mug, wishing them to greet each morning energized by the aroma of coffee.
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On the smallest side, "Fuxk It" reminds everyone to let go of things beyond their control. If things get too complicated, just let it go—just Fuxk it! Life goes on~
🇯🇵 About Tsunagu Craft
Tsunagu Craft holds the brand license for "Olde Milk-glass," reproducing the classic American "Fire-King" milk glass mugs from the 1940s to 1970s—a vintage collectible must-have. The company perfectly blends the elegant and timeless style of American milk glass with traditional Japanese manufacturing techniques, highlighting the rarity and production difficulty of this glass material. Each mug is meticulously handcrafted by experienced artisans at a historic glass factory located in the Tohoku region, near the famous birthplace of Mino ware.
Today, only a few factories in Japan can produce milk glass. Its unique color and texture present a significant challenge for many glass manufacturers. Compared to other glass products, milk glass production is extremely demanding. Its high heat resistance often causes bubbles and holes to form in the finished product, resulting in a high failure rate that has led most manufacturers to abandon it. Because this type of glass is difficult to melt, precise control of the melting temperature is required, and the mold pressing technique demands high skill. After forming, artisans use burners to remove surface bubbles and carefully polish each piece, so every mug embodies the craftsmanship and dedication of the artisans.
Facing these challenges, the craftsmen at the Tohoku factory, fueled by passion and perseverance, conducted hundreds of trials to successfully recreate the essence of milk glass, ensuring its continued production and quality heritage in Japan.
🔥 Usage Notes
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This product is not heat-resistant glass, but it is safe to pour hot water into it. We recommend handling it the same way as vintage milk glass.
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Do not use in microwave ovens or dishwashers.
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Do not pour hot water directly into a cup taken out of the refrigerator to avoid sudden temperature changes that may cause cracking.
