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George Henry Boughton (1833-1905) The Scarlet Letter - Oil on Canvas 1867 - Color Changing Mug 11oz

George Henry Boughton (1833-1905) The Scarlet Letter - Oil on Canvas 1867 - Color Changing Mug 11oz

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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The Scarlet Letter by George Henry Boughton - Color Morphing Mug Design

Boughton's 1867 oil on canvas turns a single moment of Hawthorne's novel into a painting of quiet, unbearable tension.

Visual Elements & Composition

The palette is built on contrast. Rich, saturated scarlet sits at the centre of the scene, where the eye is pulled first, and it is set against a darker, atmospheric ground of deep tones and shadowed hues. Light falls selectively across the figures and leaves the edges to fall away into dusk. The composition is arranged with the academic discipline of the period, giving the figures weight and a sense of settled drama. The surface is detailed and finely worked, with textures that reward a slow look.

Meaning & Symbolism

The scarlet of the title carries the whole painting. In Hawthorne's 1850 novel, the red letter is a public mark of shame that becomes, over time, a sign of its wearer's strength. Boughton paints the moral weight of that story rather than its spectacle, and the stillness of the figures makes the judgement feel close enough to touch. Working in the 19th century, he drew on historical realism to make a literary theme feel present, which is why the work still reads as a study of character and conscience.

Caught in the Hand

A mug is held and turned, so the painting becomes something you handle rather than view from across a room. Its scarlet and shadow wrap around the curve of the cup as you lift it. The design is also hidden until the drink is hot: as the mug warms, the image emerges from the surface, so the scene is revealed slowly, much as Hawthorne's story unfolds.

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Color-changing ceramic mugs with a glossy finish, black exterior, and white interior. Available in one size: 11 oz (≈330 ml). Heat-reactive coating reveals your custom design when filled with hot liquid. BPA- and lead-free, with a comfortable C-handle.

This mug brings a playful twist to the daily coffee or tea ritual. At room temperature, it looks like a simple black mug with a glossy finish. But add a hot beverage, and your chosen design fades into view, showing vivid colors against the white interior.

The ceramic body is durable enough for repeated use, while the C-shaped handle balances comfort and grip. Printing uses sublimation techniques that fuse color into the heat-reactive surface for crisp results when the design appears.

  • Material: ceramic with glossy black exterior and white interior.
  • Size: one standard size, 11 oz (≈330 ml).
  • Finish: glossy glaze with heat-sensitive surface.
  • Printing: sublimation process produces crisp, vibrant colors.
  • Safety: BPA-free and lead-free, suitable for everyday drinks.
  • Effect: design is faintly visible when cold, fully revealed when hot.

Perfect as a novelty gift or a fun personal mug, the heat-reactive design makes coffee breaks more engaging. It works well for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or hot chocolate.

  1. Daily routine: fill with any hot beverage to reveal your chosen artwork.
  2. Gifting: the “magic” reveal makes it a memorable present for birthdays, holidays, or office exchanges.
  3. Office use: sparks conversation while still being practical for everyday drinks.

Note: for best results, avoid designs that rely heavily on deep black backgrounds, as they may blend with the mug’s surface when cold.

Unlike standard mugs, color-changing mugs require gentler care to preserve the heat-reactive coating. Hand-wash only — avoid the dishwasher and abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the finish and reduce the effect.

The mug is safe for short microwave use when heating liquids, but repeated high-heat cycles may shorten the lifespan of the coating. Always allow the mug to cool before washing.

Available in one classic size: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml). It’s large enough for most standard coffee makers and fits comfortably in most cabinets.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz
Height (in) 3.78
Diameter (in) 3.23
Diameter w/ handle (in) 4.76

Note: measurements are approximate; slight variations may occur due to manufacturing tolerances.