Studio Ghibli in Stoneware:  Mugs That Spark Wonder

I came late to the magic of Studio Ghibli. I had seen commercials of Kiki’s delivery service, and Ponyo all through my childhood, but only started watching the films this past year in 2024. Once I stepped through that door though, I never wanted to leave. These films aren’t just stories, they’re emotional tapestries of courage, artistry, imagination, and heart.

This July 10th, we’re releasing two limited-run mugs inspired by Howl’s Moving Castle and Princess Mononoke, each crafted as part of our Heroine Collection. They’re more than just beautiful pieces, they’re daily reminders of bravery, resilience, and the kind of soft strength that Ghibli heroines embody so well.

The first features Calcifer, nestled in Sophie’s hands, surrounded by flowers and sparks. On the reverse side, A soot sprite, caught in a tiny glass bottle. No, they are not present in the film itself- but its a nod to all the quiet, magical details that make Miyazaki’s worlds so special. Sophie Hatter isn’t your typical fantasy lead. She’s not brash, flashy, or hardened. But what she lacks in spectacle, she makes up for with resolve. When cursed with age, she doesn’t break, she adapts. She serves tea. She climbs mountains. She softens a wizard’s heart. And she proves that courage can look like kindness, patience, and persistence.

The San Mug
Then there’s San, Princess Mononoke herself. Fierce. Unrelenting. Wild as the forest she fights for. The mug features her iconic mask with bold eyes and sweeping fur, and on the back, a tiny Kodama tree spirit—a symbol of balance and life in the ancient woods. San’s message is clear: the world is worth fighting for, even when the odds are stacked high. She reminds us that sometimes heroism means digging your heels into the dirt and rising to meet your fate with grit and grace.

Limited-Edition Gift Packages

These two mugs will launch July 10th—just 20 of each available. Each comes in a luxury Donovan Pottery gift box and includes:

• One 22k gold mug in your glaze choice
  

• A matching themed sticker
  

• A sample of loose-leaf tea (Ghibli vibes included)
  

• A custom silicone travel lid
  

• Free shipping
  
  A $110 value!

Price is $88 on drop day (July 10) and increases to $98 after that—until they’re gone.

The Real Magic

To me, mugs aren’t just functional objects—they’re emotional anchors. You reach for your favorite one when you need focus, calm, courage, or just a little comfort. With these Ghibli-inspired designs, my hope is that they become a daily reminder to embody the heroine energy within you—whether it’s Sophie’s quiet resourcefulness or San’s fierce determination.

They’re limited, yes. But the inspiration they offer? That’s infinite.