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Why do we classify mugs from Chinese restaurants as Tiki? |
Brandomoai
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 05, 2008
Posts: 310
From: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|  Posted: 2012-12-19 08:04 am Permalink
I think we can all agree that these mugs, and maybe even the Benihana-style mugs are an off-shoot. Not Tiki, but not unrelated. I have a small section dedicated to these vessels, which are much more common here than real Tiki or Polynesian-themed mugs. The context blurs the lines of what is and isn't Tiki; history, use in classic Tiki establishments, etc. "Tiki mug" has become too much of an umbrella term in the general, eBay-selling, populace. We're not the general populace, and by being a part of this forum we have an obligation to keep it at least somewhat academic.
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tikilongbeach
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Aug 05, 2011
Posts: 674
From: LBC via DFW
| Posted: 2012-12-19 09:47 am Permalink
Sometimes it's because the Chinese restaurant calls their bar a tiki bar.
Such as China Inn in San Diego (Pacific Beach). They use mugs that can be found in tiki and Asian restaurants.
Our Bar:
The Tiki bar at China Inn boasts full bar service including many beer selections as well as wine and spirits. Specialty drinks here are favorites as well. Enjoy Polynesian drinks like the Mai-Tai or the rum, gin and brandy flavored Scorpion. For brave souls, the Suffering Bastard is not to be missed. A popular China Inn specialty is the Volcano, a rum-based drink that is large enough to share with friends and will make your visit here unforgettable.
Fong's Pizza in Des Moines, IA is a Chinese/Italian fusion restaurant and they serve tiki drink's. Their signature mug is definitely Asian in style, but cool. Unfortunately Fong's has been closed since November due to a flood. Look at the their drink prices! Half of what we pay in Los Angeles. fongspizza.com/menu/tiki
Then there is Wang's in San Diego and their Derek Yaniger designed and Tiki Farm produced Fu Manchu. You can buy the mug on the Wang's website. http://www.wangsnorthpark.com
The Good Luck Bar in Los Angeles has an over the top kitschy Oriental theme and it serves tiki drinks in themed ceramic mugs.
_________________
-Lori
[ This Message was edited by: tikilongbeach 2012-12-19 09:49 ]
[ This Message was edited by: tikilongbeach 2012-12-19 09:56 ]
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tikilongbeach
Grand Member (first year)
Joined: Aug 05, 2011
Posts: 674
From: LBC via DFW
| Posted: 2012-12-19 09:55 am Permalink
Do I consider them tiki? No, not unless the mug is shaped like a tiki.
I do like the Wang's and Fong's mugs.
_________________
-Lori
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nui 'umi 'umi
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 21, 2011
Posts: 379
From: La Mirada Atoll
| Posted: 2012-12-21 9:48 pm Permalink
Found at a goodwill this evening. There is an interesting thread on T C on the Kuo Wah restaurant.
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Cool Manchu
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 03, 2003
Posts: 560
From: San Jose, CA
| Posted: 2012-12-22 07:18 am Permalink
Even though a few mugs have been posted, it's abundantly clear to me why we collect them. They are friggin' awesome!
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Cool Manchu
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 03, 2003
Posts: 560
From: San Jose, CA
| Posted: 2013-01-11 7:36 pm Permalink
Sorry for the large images. I don't have any that are nearly as cool as the previous ones posted...
These two are from the Imperial Palace in San Francisco.
Holiday Inn - Financial District - San Francisco
Hong Kong Bar - Century Plaza Hotel
Kuo Wah - San Francisco
Chiam - Chicago
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naugatiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 02, 2004
Posts: 806
From: Port Angeles, Wa
| Posted: 2013-03-17 4:20 pm Permalink
Here's one from 1981 in a restaurnt called Oriental Terrace that seems to have a tiki wing in it and takes pleasure in warning the danger of the cocktail.
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