This vintage Portmeirion “Samarkand” mug is a rare and collectible piece from the influential British design house founded by Susan Williams-Ellis. Blending global pattern influences with functional British ceramics, the “Samarkand” line captured the mid-century appetite for artistic, bohemian flair.
The bold, circular motifs in rich reds, browns, and oranges evoke both astronomical forms and Middle Eastern architecture, aligning with the era’s fascination with world cultures. Highly collectible and less common than Portmeirion’s botanical lines, this mug is a gem for lovers of 1960s design