VINTAGE 1967 MANDARIN SAN FRANCISCO CERAMIC TIKI BUCKET MUG OTAGIRI JAPAN

Vintage, 1967- 68, Otagiri Merchantile Company brand, Japan, ceramic tiki mug from the Mandarin Chinese Restaurant in San Francisco, CA, Ghirardelli Square. “This green bucket mug has an ornate circle on the front and back containing Chinese characters. The Mandarin Restaurant was founded in 1968 by Chinese food doyenne Cecelia Sun Yun Chiang. What Julia Child did for French cooking in the United States, Cecilia Chiang did for Chinese cuisine in America. Trader Vic (Bergeron) became a sort of mentor to Cecilia Chiang, especially when she moved to Ghirardelli Square where he had Senor Pico. Trader Vic brought columnist Herb Caen to The Mandarin, Caen wrote about it, and off it went. (Note: This writer was handling public relations for Trader Vic’s at that time.) In the heyday of the Mandarin’s success, Cecilia presided over an elegant restaurant that achieved a national reputation. Visitors from all over the country came to seek authentic and fine Chinese dining. She held cooking classes that saw students the likes of Julia Child, James Beard, Alice Waters, Marion Cunningham, Jeremiah Tower and Danny Kaye come through.” (See photos for details) I am the original owner. It has been in climate controlled storage since acquired. Comes from a pet and smoke free home.  - Size: 4.25” tall x 4.125” diameter