Deneen Pottery Custom Commemorative Belly Mug

This is a hand-thrown stoneware 'Belly Mug' produced by Deneen Pottery, a family-owned commercial pottery company based in St. Paul, Minnesota. The mug is finished in a glossy maroon or burgundy glaze that exhibits a high-shine finish and subtle variations characteristic of artisanal kiln firing. The construction features a rounded, bulbous body—known as a 'belly' shape—with a flared lip and a sturdy C-shaped handle. A distinguishing feature is the applied ceramic medallion on the face of the mug, which depicts a historical building in a detailed black-and-tan line-art style. The medallion includes the date '1872' and the text 'CHUSHINGA' or similar local landmark text, indicating it was a custom commission for a specific historical site or business. The medallion is neatly integrated into the glaze with an unglazed or matte finish on the icon itself. The item appears to be in excellent contemporary condition with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing. The craftsmanship is high-quality, typical of modern American commercial stoneware where each piece is hand-turned by a potter, ensuring a unique thickness and weight. The presence of a symbol on the bottom (as noted in context) likely corresponds to the Deneen Pottery maker's mark used in the late 20th or early 21st century.