Dark Blue and Brown Handmade Mug with Carved Design Signed by the Artist

This mug is interesting, as there are four small cut-out holes towards the top just above the carved design. Not sure what that is meant to do. Maybe this piece is for display and not function? It's beautiful either way. It stands about 4" tall. The mouth of the cup is narrow at an inch and a half. The base of the mug is about 3.5" wide.