M
Joined: Mar 16, 2009
Posts: 32
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M
I received a very helpful reply from Dan:
This "Tonga" mug - one of our original designs - Kauai Resort - thinking about 1983. Larger than the Maui Lu. - they wanted it to be smaller and with the raised name - Maui Lu was a custom piece. The hour glass shape was very popular - first done in 1971. It was a stock design for us which we decorated for different hotels. We had it in a few different colors. The original was Yellow/Gold - similar to our Bamboo mug glaze. we would change colors for different customers if the quantities were large enough for production runs. Most of the Tonga mugs were done in Yellow/Gold (some say Orange), Tan or Brown. We tried to make them different colors to keep the uniqueness for different accounts.
This looks like it was at the end of the mold life and the features are worn down. Molds only last through so many cycles and are replaced. You can see the detail on the Maui Lu - newer mold. The glaze on this is also too heavy. Happens sometimes in the production run when it is a new glaze color with different properties. We actually did some different colors for Kauai Resort after this run of mugs. This color is a very limited edition.
Kauai Resort used these for there Luau - each guest would receive a free Mai Tai in this mug with the purchase of the Luau dinner. Was very popular in the day. Kauai Resort has changed hands a few times since the 80's.
Later we changed the shape to straight sides - made production easier - the curved shape was very nice, but actually harder to produce and decorate. However it still my favorite piece.
So, the mug I received was from the 80s - later than the mug advertised, although it is a rarer colour.
I have contacted the seller who is 'looking into what happened'.
New question: Since it's actually called a Tonga mug, is there anyway of getting the Ooga-Mooga listings changed to reflect this?
Also, I'd still like any more information about both these hotels 'back in the day'. Anyone know anything?
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