Where to shop for the cutest handmade ceramics

Bouquet and bows mug by Mari Potteri

We’ve all had a boring mug or two. The kind with a generic quote (the likes of “live, laugh, love”) or something with a corporate logo stamped across, which we’ll probably never use.

But that stops now. Because once you find the mug that speaks out to you—the one that looks and feels right—there’s no going back.

People who know me well enough know that I hoard ceramics more than I do bags. It’s like a fashion statement, but kitchen edition. The kind that stands out in a sea of bland, mass-produced whiteware.

That being said, these are my go-to local pottery shops where I get my handmade ceramics.

Mysaclay

Longtime fans of Mysaclay know that this pottery shop started out by selling surplus Japanese ceramics during the pandemic. But owner Mary Ann Pulido branched out into creating her own handmade pieces—starting with 3D flower mugs featuring intricate, swirling handles.

Soon after, she tried her hand at a Studio Ghibli-inspired collection, which she handpainted herself. Now, she diversified her repertoire with embossed shell mugs, dripping in multicolored glazes for that pearlescent effect. And yes, she even has these in matcha bowls and sippy cup versions

Instagram.com/mysaclay.ph

Chineramics

Based in Antipolo, Rizal, Chin of Chineramics is known for her whimsical, under-the-sea-themed mugs. She became known for her elaborately carved mermaid mugs (complete with a fishtail handle), until she eventually transitioned into making 3D koi-themed pieces. Her current collection dives even deeper—featuring a seafood series with shrimp and sardines that, quite literally, pop out of the mug.

Her past collections include colorful mugs with motivational, empowering phrases, along with quirky pieces that feature colorful hand-carved pieces with grooves and indents.

Instagram.com/chineramics

Mari Potteri

Mari Manalo of Mari Potteri brings creative flair in all her creations. What started as a creative outlet has blossomed into many small businesses—but pottery remains close to her heart.

Inspired by flowers, many of her handmade creations feature painted florals against a speckled backdrop or are even shaped like flowers themselves. Her collections for the latter include the sakura bloom, tulip, and peony, while the former is more diverse: with daisies, bouquet, wildflowers, and blooms. What’s more, she has shifted from shaping mugs to creating bowls, matcha bowls, and matcha whisk holders.

Instagram.com/mari.potteri

The Leaflet Pottery

If you’re looking for a wide mug with a cute character sitting in it (or even on the handle), then The Leaflet Pottery is your best bet. This online ceramics shop is known for featuring animals in many of its pieces—whether it’s a white Samoyed, green dinosaur, or even Totoro from the Studio Ghibli series.

These pieces are characterized by its off-white backdrop with embedded elements on its exterior, from flowers to leaves, or even little bits of fruit. And while these pieces sell out quickly, you can always message her for custom orders.

Instagram.com/theleafletpottery

Wabi Sabi Studio

There is beauty in imperfection, and Pau and Gabbie Javier of Wabi Sabi believe that. Though foremost known for offering pottery classes in their studio and recently opening up a cafe, the Pasig-based pottery studio also sells handmade ceramics.

They are known for their signature antok series, which features a sleep-deprived character—complete with massive eyebags—each one holding a different item. These mugs come in various sizes and styles: from tall tumblers to short, stumpy forms, with or without handles.

Instagram.com/wabisabistudio.ph

Bumi and Ashe

Bumi and Ashe is a charming Cubao-based shop rooted in a deeply personal origin. Founded by Marita Galvez, the shop is a culmination of a rediscovered passion for pottery, which ignited during the pandemic and has since grown into a full-fledged creative pursuit.

Known ceramic collections include the garabangs and garapata, a collaborative collection between Bumi & Ashe and Dex Fernandez. Currently, the studio’s newest line showcases hand-painted pieces inspired by local elements: kapitbahay, santan, harana, and commute.

Instagram.com/bumi.and.ashe

Mimi Ceramics

Looking for ceramic pieces with bright colors? Mimi Ceramics is known for its flowers and checkered motif—often featured on curvy or cloud-shaped mugs. This Pasig-based shop produces small batches of stoneware pieces, each one handmade carefully by founder Michelle Cruz.