Quirky Snail Mugs Are The Hot New Collectible Ceramic Trend

The Rising Popularity of Mugs with Snails Inside

A new mug trend has been gaining popularity rapidly in recent years - mugs with snails inside! These cute and quirky mugs feature intricately sculpted clay or ceramic snails placed inside the mug itself. They have become a popular gift and collectible item.

The Origins of Snail Mugs

Snail mugs originated from Asian countries such as Japan, Korea and China where snails and other animals crafted into ceramics and pottery have a long history as both art and functional pieces. The earliest known snail mugs were produced in Japan and were often given as gifts at tea ceremonies or to celebrate special occasions.

The popularity of these mugs slowly spread to other parts of Asia and eventually went global, especially with the rise of online shopping and enthusiasts sharing images on social media. Major retailers like Urban Outfitters even started carrying the trendy mugs in their stores and online catalog.

Why Snail Mugs Became a Trend

There are several reasons why mugs with snails inside spiked rapidly in popularity all over the world:

• The unusual placement of having an animal inside a mug makes them unique, creative and eye catching as a decorative object.
• The cute, almost comical appearance of a tiny snail inside a mug appeals to people's inner child sense of fun and whimsy.
• They are quite photogenic, especially when holding a hot drink, which led to lots of shares on Instagram and Pinterest from mug collectors and bloggers.
• The range of expressive snail sculptures - smiling, sleeping, playing musical instruments etc. - give each mug a distinct personality that people find charming.
• Watching the trails left by the condensation as you drink is an interactive, kinetic experience you can't get from an ordinary mug.

Popular Variations of Snail Mugs

While the classic plain white mug with a snail sculpture inside remains the most recognizable and popular style, artisans have also created many wonderful variations including:

• Unusual shapes - giant acorn shaped mugs, little round teacup sized mugs, angular geometric mugs etc. - all with a sculpted snail passenger.
• Detailed themes and decorations - mugs resemble tree trunks, mushrooms or flower pots inhabited by intricately decorated snails to match the theme.
• Color glazes - from neutral tones of gray and brown to vivid bright hues of red, orange, green and blue.
• Material variations - while ceramic and porcelain dominate, glass and acrylic snail mugs can also be found.

Tips for Collecting Snail Mugs

Here are some tips if you're thinking of starting your own snail mug collection:

• Look for mugs and artists you love, not just any snail mug. Curate for quality and personal style.
• Display them well - on open shelves, mug trees etc. - don't just stash them away in a cupboard!
• Document your collection by taking photos & sharing with other enthusiasts on social media groups.
• Get creative with using your snail mugs! Take fun photos of them holding your favorite drinks or houseplants.

Where To Buy Snail Mugs

Here are some popular places to find an ever changing variety of creative snail mugs both online and offline:

Online Shops

• Etsy - many ceramic artists and artisans sell their handmade snail mug creations through their Etsy stores.
• eBay - a trove of snail mugs new and vintage are available at auction or direct sale.
• Amazon - while product selection quality varies, Prime shipping appeals.
• AliExpress - very affordable mass produced snail mugs shipped directly from China.

Physical Shops

• Gift & home decor boutiques - quirky ceramic wares like snail mugs appeal to their customer base.
• Museum gift stores - often stock uniquely crafted artisan ceramics.
• Art galleries - many showcase and sell functional ceramics alongside fine art.

You can also find beautiful one of a kind snail mugs at craft fairs, pottery studio sales, and other places where ceramic artists sell directly to customers.

Caring for Your Snail Mug Collection

Here are some tips on caring for your snail mug collection so you can enjoy them for years:

Cleaning

• Wash by hand gently with warm soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing as it can damage delicate snail parts and painted details.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly before storing.

Damage Prevention

• Use coasters under snail mugs when serving drinks to prevent marking from condensation rings or spills.
• Don't microwave snail mugs as it may damage sculptures inside.
• Store safely in cupboards with other mugs rather than leaving out on open shelves.

Repairing

• Chipped paint or broken snail parts can often be fixed with ceramic epoxy glue and acrylic paint.
• Don't try to glue back together a fully cracked or broken mug.

Taking good care of your snail mug collection and not exposing them to damage will let you enjoy displaying and using them in your home for many years!

FAQs

Why are there snails inside these mugs?

The snails are intricately sculpted ceramic or clay decorative pieces placed inside the mugs. They turn an ordinary mug into a fun and quirky decorative object that also functions as drinkware.

What drinks can I put in a snail mug?

Any non-alcoholic hot or cold beverage is fine. The mugs can hold coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soda, juice etc. Don't microwave them though!

How do the snails stay in place inside the mugs?

The snail sculptures are firmly attached to the bottom inside surface while the mug itself is being formed on the pottery wheel and fired in the kiln.

Can snail mugs go in the dishwasher?

It's not recommended as the hot water, steam and force of spraying water jets inside a dishwasher could damage the delicate snail sculptures. Gentle hand washing is best.