How to Spot Quality Tableware in a World Full of Copies

This week something unexpected happened. A kind customer got in touch to alert me that my Sitting Cat and Cat Collection designs were appearing on a large online marketplace - but they weren’t mine. My photos and original artwork had been copied and used without permission to sell imitation products.

At first I was disappointed and dismayed. To see years of design work reproduced so easily is heartbreaking and felt like a violation.

But it’s also a good reminder of what makes genuine Jin Designs tableware so special. So let’s have a look at how to spot real quality when you see it.

1. Original creations you can trust

Every Jin Designs creation starts with a simple pencil sketch. I then refine the artwork on my trusty Mac in Adobe Illustrator, shaping each character with thousands of mouse clicks and movements into a clean, balanced design. From Sitting Cat to Robin, these are original illustrations developed with care, not generic clip-art or stock shapes.

When you buy a Jin Designs mug or plate, you’re supporting independent British design - not mass-produced replicas.

2. Quality you can feel

There’s a noticeable difference between something made with care and something made in bulk. Jin Designs mugs and tableware are made of fine bone china, chosen for its smooth surface, lightweight gloss finish, and hardwearing nature. Each item is hand-decorated in Stoke-on-Trent using traditional ceramic methods that require very skilled lithographers.

Copies may look similar online but the difference becomes very clear the moment you see it and feel it. The finish is refined and the design is crisp, clean and well-balanced. It’s quality that comes from years of experience and attention to detail - not a factory shortcut.

3. The backstamp tells the story

Every genuine Jin Designs item carries a discreet backstamp on the base. This is your assurance that it’s an authentic design and product. It’s applied by hand during production and marks the item as part of the Jin Designs Collections.

If you turn it over and the backstamp isn’t there, it’s not a genuine Jin Designs product. It’s a small detail, but an important one that reflects the care and skill and attention to detail behind every item.

4. Designed to last, not to trend

Sitting Cat has been part of the Jin Designs Collections for over a decade. These designs aren’t about following trends or fast-changing styles, they’re designed to be with us year after year. Timeless classics created to bring joy and comfort to your everyday life. Sitting Cat is a reminder of a cat you love, or a cat you've loved and lost. And like all Jin Designs creations, it’s made to last and be your companion for years to come.

5. Choosing authentic matters

Buying original designs supports small businesses, skilled decorators and British manufacturing. It keeps creativity alive and ensures the products you use at home are made with care, not copied in bulk.

If you come across imitation listings, please know Jin Designs has no link to those sellers. The only genuine items are available directly from jindesigns.com and selected retail partners.

So whilst it's frustrating to see copies appearing online, it's also proof that simple, original design stands out. 

Thank you for choosing genuine Jin Designs tableware. You're helping to support original creations, skilled hand-decorators and a small business determined to bring you the very best.