A Mug That Cheers

 

"Do you see how the edges are curved? It fits out lips better..." - Ayse Birsel, TEDxCannes

One thing I discovered this winter is the joy of holding a beautiful, ceramic mug, and sipping a hot drink on a cold winter day. The drink could be anything hot - tea, coffee, rasam, or just plain warm water - what matters is the comfort of holding such a mug, cupped in your hand, while sitting at your table or just staring out of the balcony, and letting your thoughts wander as the world going by.

This is not something I had given much thought to earlier - after all, a mug is a mug is a mug, and it is different from a cup! We have always had on kitchen racks an assortment of mugs - the small ones for chai or coffee, the slightly larger, bright red ones that we got for free with branded coffee powder, the monogramed ones we got from various places, and a few larger more stylish singles - the last survivors from the lovely sets we had got as thoughtful gifts from friends. 

Our specifications got a little more stringent this winter. The standard flat-bottom mug just would not do! - it had to have a rounded bottom that could be cupped comfortably in both hands; it had to hold more than 350ml; it had to be stable, and not topple over easily when perched on a tray in transit; the mug had to be balanced - not too heavy, or too light,  and of course, it had to look good and feel good in your hands;  something you would feel like picking up - just for the joy of it.

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