Utsuwa Zoo Turtle Mug | Handmade Japanese Pottery | Unique Animal Mug | Gift from Japan

A Must-Have for Turtle Lovers! A Playful Touch of Japanese Pottery
“A turtle turned into a mug?!”
This one-of-a-kind design will make anyone look twice. Handcrafted in Fukuoka, Japan, this mug is part of the whimsical Utsuwa Zoo series by ceramic artist Maharu Kumagai, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern imagination.

Why You’ll Love It

• The turtle’s shell becomes the cup body, while its head and legs peek out with charming detail

• A true one-of-a-kind piece, handmade by Japanese ceramic artist Maharu Kumagai (Mamoru Kiln)

• A fusion of Aganoyaki tradition and playful modern design

• Perfect for everyday use or as a unique gift for animal lovers

Practical Size & Comfortable Feel

• Dimensions: approx. 15.5 cm wide (head to handle) × 9 cm diameter × 7.2 cm tall

• Weight: approx. 262 g
  Lightweight yet sturdy, making it ideal for enjoying your daily coffee or tea. Not just a fun conversation piece, but also a fully functional mug.

 Perfect For

• Coffee breaks: Bring a little story to your desk

• Interior décor: Display as an art piece with presence

• Gifts: A delightful surprise for turtle lovers, animal enthusiasts, or fans of Japanese crafts

 Care Instructions

• Before first use, soak the mug in water overnight to prevent stains and odors (as it is porous earthenware).

• For extra protection, you may perform “medome” (boiling the mug in rice water) to reduce staining.

• Avoid using in the microwave or dishwasher. Hand wash is recommended.

• Dry thoroughly before storing to prevent mold or odors.

• Metal cutlery may scratch the surface. Wooden or resin spoons are recommended.

• Over time, the color and texture may change—please enjoy this as part of the natural charm of handmade pottery.

Free shipping :
The product price includes shipping. You don't have to pay for shipping.
We ship our goods by EMS, a reliable door to door shipping service by Japan Post.

VAT / Import tax :
Our price does not include VAT nor any import tax.
Please pay it at your responsibility if required.
If you have a question, please feel free to ask us.
We are looking forward to your order.

More information...

About Aganoyaki Pottery
With over 400 years of history, Aganoyaki from Fukuoka is known for its natural glazes and warm, earthy feel. Maharu Kumagai carries on this tradition while bringing in his own creative vision—transforming animals and dinosaurs into functional ceramic art. Each piece embodies both playfulness and practicality, adding a touch of story and charm to everyday life.

Artist Profile – Maharu Kumagai

• Born: 1994

• Location: Fukuoka Prefecture, Tagawa-gun, Fukuchi Town, Mamoru Kiln

• Education & Career:

  • 2015: Graduated from Fukuoka Zokei Junior College of Art

  • Studied metalwork at Kyushu Sangyo University

  • 2017: Began working under his father, Mamoru Kumagai (Aganoyaki traditional craftsman), and started creating at Mamoru Kiln

• Style & Characteristics:

  • Inherits the tradition of Aganoyaki pottery while creating unique animal and dinosaur-inspired pieces

  • Known for warm, earthy glazes and whimsical, charming designs that bring a smile

  • His “Utsuwa Zoo” series transforms animals like turtles, rhinos, and dinosaurs into functional tableware, giving a sense of life to the objects on your desk

  • Focuses on turning personal passion into craft and artistic expression, creating pieces that bring stories and playful charm into everyday life

About our store :
We are a select store with a long history, with a physical store in Akasaka, Tokyo.
We carefully select and sell wonderful products from all over Japan.

Because of its location in Akasaka, Tokyo, the store is visited by a great number of foreigners living in Japan and tourists from abroad.
The products we sell are purchased by the owner of the store, who is a connoisseur of ceramics and crafts, after thoroughly examining the products. In this sense, we are distinct from souvenir stores in many tourist destinations in Japan.
If you are able to select and purchase a wonderful Japanese craft from our selection, and if you are satisfied with the quality of the products, it will be worthwhile for us to carefully select and purchase them.

Craft Ogawa, Specialty Store
Akasaka, Tokyo, Japan
Mail:  craft.gallery.ogawa@gmail.com