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Arctic Ocean (1971) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

Arctic Ocean (1971) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
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Arctic Ocean (1971) - Black Mug Design

The Arctic Ocean (1971) design is a map of the northern polar region, drawn in the spare, study-led style of early-1970s cartography.

Visual Elements & Composition

The polar region sits at the centre of the composition, and nothing competes with it. The design carries no decorative border, illustration or added ornament. Its minimalism means the geography does all the work: the shape of the Arctic Ocean, the coastlines around it and the sweep of the northern landmass read clearly as the subject. The layout is calm and uncluttered, like a page torn from a reference atlas.

Meaning & Symbolism

Polar maps from this period stand for the age of exploration still unfolding. The Arctic was a place of blank edges and unanswered questions, and a map of it asks the viewer to consider distance, navigation and the drive to chart what lies beyond the known world. The 1971 date anchors the design in a mid-century moment when geographical studies valued clarity and accuracy over decoration. The design draws on cartography, history and polar exploration, and it reads as a quiet record of how people once understood the top of the world.

Turning the Arctic in Your Hands

A mug is turned slowly as it is drunk from, so the print reveals itself in stages rather than all at once. Each turn of the handle brings another stretch of coastline and ocean into view, the way a globe or a folded chart is explored section by section. The minimalist layout suits that gradual reveal: every angle shows the same clean geography, and the map stays readable at the close range of a morning cup. Coffee, tea or hot chocolate becomes a small, daily moment of looking at the far north.

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Glossy black ceramic mugs in two practical sizes — 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml). Comfortable C-handle, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and manufactured to be lead- and BPA-free. Note: printed blacks may read slightly different from the mug’s base color.

These mugs are made from solid ceramic with a glossy glaze that gives a deep, even surface for printing. Sublimation printing embeds ink into the glaze so artwork sits smoothly on the mug rather than simply sitting on top — that means better resistance to fading and scratching during normal use.

They’re available in the classic 11-ounce size for everyday black coffee and tea, and a larger 15-ounce cup if you like extra room for milk, foam or a long pour. The C-shaped handle is wide enough for a secure grip and balances the mug well when full.

  • Material: 100% ceramic with a high-gloss finish for punchy, saturated results.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) — choose your routine size.
  • Printing: sublimation process fuses color into the glaze for durable imagery.
  • Safety: lead- and BPA-free; meets common food-contact safety standards.
  • Design note: very dark artwork and the mug’s black base can produce subtle shade differences — add a thin lighter outline to ensure contrast if needed.

These mugs are at home in the kitchen, on the office desk, or tucked into a morning routine. They work for espresso shots, pour-overs, oat-milk lattes — you name it. The larger size is handy when you want a second cup’s worth without a refill.

  1. Daily use: fill with your preferred brew and sip — the mug handles hot liquids safely.
  2. Office-friendly: fits most standard mug warmers and sits securely on communal trays and kitchen counters.
  3. Gifting: packs well (wrap with a soft layer) and pairs nicely with coffee beans, tea tins, or a small box of biscuits.

Practical tip: for very dark designs, try a thin light border or a small margin so the artwork reads cleanly against the black ceramic.

These mugs are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but gentle habits extend the life of the print. We recommend dishwasher use on the top rack and milder cycles when possible.

Hand-washing is the friendliest option: warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid steel wool, harsh scouring pads, or blasting with extremely hot industrial cycles. And a quick reminder — don’t microwave an empty mug.

Two sizes: 11 oz (approx. 330 ml) and 15 oz (approx. 440 ml). The smaller cup is the familiar, everyday size; the larger one is for fuller pours and extra-creamy drinks.

Each mug’s mouth and height are proportioned so they’re easy to drink from and easy to clean. If you’re pairing with saucers or nesting in cabinets, expect the 15 oz to be slightly wider and taller than the 11 oz.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.86 4.72
Diameter (in) 3.35 3.35
Diameter with handle (in) 4.72 5.12

Note: dimensions are nominal — small production tolerances may apply. If you need precise fitment (e.g., for nested storage or custom packaging), please allow a small margin.