Animal Form Ceramic Mug 220ml

A wide, low ceramic mug with an animal modelled in relief around the outside, so the creature appears to be holding on to the cup rather than being printed on it. The moulding is done in the clay before glazing, which means the ears, paws and snouts are genuinely raised and will not wear off the way a transfer does. Eight characters are offered: cat, cow, pig, panda, rabbit, dolphin, duck and dog.

The proportions are unusual and worth understanding before you buy. At 11.6cm across the top and only 6.5cm tall, this is a broad, shallow cup rather than a tall one, holding 220ml. It suits a flat white, a cortado or a short tea far better than a mug of builder's tea, and the wide mouth means a drink cools relatively quickly. The base narrows to 8.7cm, which keeps the footprint neat on a saucer or a desk.

Each weighs around 210g, enough to feel solid without being heavy for a child to lift, and the glaze is smooth throughout so it washes clean easily. They make an obvious gift, and because they are sold individually rather than as a set you can pick the animal to suit the person. Dishwasher safe. The relief detailing means a little more care is needed when stacking them in a cupboard.

• Glazed ceramic with moulded relief detailing
• Capacity 220ml
• Top diameter 11.6cm; height 6.5cm; base diameter 8.7cm
• Weight approximately 210g
• Eight characters: cat, cow, pig, panda, rabbit, dolphin, duck, dog
• Dishwasher safe; sold individually