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Pottery Single-Ear Cup:4,000-year-old "mug ancestor"?

Updated:2025-10-17

Ever held a mug and wondered: Where did this "one-handle drinkware" trend start? In this episode of Pingtan in Collections, we're spotlighting Pingtan's Pottery Single-Ear Cup—a 4,000-year-old relic that's basically an ancient "mug prototype."

Unearthed from Donghuaqiu Site, it has a handy single ear (perfect for grabbing!), earthy incised patterns (carved with love for nature), and a durable body fired with "upgraded" cross-cultural techniques. It's not just a cup—it's an early "cultural co-branded item" blending coastal and inland craftsmanship.  

Join us to check out this "trendy ancient drinkware"—and debate if it's the true ancestor of mugs!

Editor in Charge:Lin Kongbo
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