Vintage Otagiri Rainbow Trout Soup Mug (Fishing Theme, Made in Japan) 🎣🌲🇯🇵
This is a Vintage Oversized Ceramic Mug/Soup Cup from the highly collectible Otagiri Mercantile Company (OMC). It features a stunning, detailed graphic of a Rainbow Trout mid-leap in a mountain river setting.
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Maker: Otagiri, Japan (Marked with OMC floral logo).
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Theme: Fly Fishing / Wildlife / Rustic Cabin Decor.
| Dimension | Measurement (Approximate) |
| Height | Approx. 3 inches (Based on ruler image) |
| Diameter | Approx. 4.5 inches (Top rim) |
| Capacity | Large (Approx. 16–20 oz, suitable for soup, chili, or jumbo coffee) |
2. Item Details & Design ✨🎨
The mug is characteristic of Otagiri's naturalistic, quality ceramic ware:
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Body: Wide, low cylindrical body with a strong, solid base. The interior glaze is creamy yellow/off-white. The base of the exterior features a subtle blue wash (ombré effect).
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Decoration: Full wrap-around scenic transfer featuring the colorful, leaping trout as the focal point, surrounded by evergreens, mountains, and rushing river water. A small fisherman figure is visible in the background.
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Glaze: High-gloss, smooth glaze finish.
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Mark: Clear black underglaze mark "© OTAGIRI JAPAN" with the four-petal logo.
3. Historical/Period Context 🌏🕰️
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Period: Late 20th Century (c. 1970s–1990s). Otagiri was a dominant force in the giftware market during this time, known for producing Japanese ceramics of superior quality compared to generic imports.
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Significance: Represents a highly popular genre of Outdoorsman/Cabin Decor ceramics. Otagiri pieces are widely collected for their nostalgic aesthetic and durability.
4. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐
This item is perfect for:
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Collectors of Otagiri Mercantile Company (OMC) Ceramics.
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Enthusiasts of Fishing, Wildlife, and Rustic Cabin/Lodge Decor.
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Buyers seeking a durable, oversized mug or soup cup with strong visual appeal.
5. Condition & Valuation 💎💰
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Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition. The glossy glaze is intact, and the dramatic transferware graphic is crisp and unworn. No chips, cracks, or damage are visible.
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Rarity: Moderate (Otagiri pieces are well-known, but specific scenic patterns like this trout design are consistently desirable).
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Valuation Strategy: Price is driven by the established Otagiri brand quality and the high demand for fishing and wildlife motifs in collectible ceramics.