-40%

Bosko tiki mug rare, early Kolohe version MINT - blue swirled glaze tiki bar

$ 171.6

Availability: 100 in stock
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Provenance: Ownership History Not Available
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Condition: New
  • Culture: Hawaiian

    Description

    Another extremely rare, early Bosko tiki mug design called Kolohe. I believe this was released very early on in Bosko's mug-making career - in the late 90s or perhaps very early aughts. This blue version I believe I bought directly from the website (though keep in mind that was more than 2 decades ago) but there was another green version which was already sold out and it took me years to find that one. Since then, I've never seen either version of this mug come up for sale again. This blue version is marked "37" on the bottom but I think that numbering system refers to the total number of Kolohe mugs Bosko made in
    both
    the blue and green glazes so that would mean there were approximately only 20 or so of the blue ones released.  I say that because as a Bosko "completist" myself, this mug was extremely hard to find on the secondary market - there just aren't that many floating around. Bosko also seemed to mark the bottom of his mugs inconsistently in the early days - some were numbered, some not, some stamped with his logo, some had a signature. In my opinion, all of that adds to the handmade, unique and rare nature of these early mugs. To me, they're more like small ceramic sculptures rather than mugs.
    About the mug itself, it's a great, "classic" Bosko design. Very thick and substantial feeling - it weighs more than 1.5 lbs. and measures about 8" tall. A great blue and "rust/yellow" swirled glaze which ensures that each of these has a unique color pattern and design. Perfect condition having been kept in a glass case for more than 20 years with the exception of a tiny spot about the eye (see the last picture) containing a tiny air bubble in the ceramic. I never noticed it before until I carefully inspected the mug prior to listing it here. Definitely NOT a chip or other damage - just a tiny air bubble that's characteristic of the handmade nature of each of Bosko's mugs which are molded and fired one at a time. I only point this out for the sake of completeness since some of these very early designs can go for a lot of money so I want interested bidders to be aware of all the details. Hand stamped on the bottom with Bosko's mark (and number).
    I will send this carefully packed via Priority Mail and will also combine shipping if you buy multiple items.
    Check my other auctions for a few other rare tiki mugs.
    Unfortunately I do not accept returns unless the item does not comply with the pics. I'm trying to get rid of stuff rather than hold onto it.