About this design
MG-101
MG-101 (Brazil) (Road Sign) Black Coffee Mug
This design takes the form of a Brazilian state route marker: a white pentagon, outlined in black, carrying the letters MG above the numerals 101.
Visual Elements & Composition
The artwork is a flat vector graphic built from two colours, black and white, with white covering most of the field. A single black-outlined pentagon sits at the centre, and a second, nested pentagonal outline echoes its shape inside, so the eye reads the sign as one solid, deliberate form. Nothing competes with it. The lettering is set bold and upright within the shape, with the state code on top and the route number beneath, and the whole composition stays symmetrical and uncluttered, the way a roadside sign should be.
Meaning & Symbolism
Route shields are the language of the road. Each one tells a driver where they are and where a road leads, and this pentagon belongs to that family of markers. The letters MG are the abbreviation for Minas Gerais, one of Brazil's largest states, and 101 is the number of the route it identifies. Read together, the design is a clear piece of signage: a state, a road, and a point on the map. It is a modern graphic with a plain, functional purpose, and its meaning comes straight from the way Brazilian state highways have always been labelled.
On the Black Mug
A mug is turned in the hand, so the sign never appears all at once. As you rotate it, the pentagon slides into view and the route number comes round to meet you, a small piece of wayfinding for the moment you pause over your coffee. The black field lets the white shield stand out as the mug turns, which suits a design built on strong contrast. For anyone who spends time on the road between Brazil's towns, or simply likes a piece of graphic signage with a story, this is a cheeky way to keep a little highway in the kitchen.
- Theme
- Road Sign
- Place
- Brazil
- Printed
- When you order it
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.
- Daily use: fill with your preferred brew and sip — the mug handles hot liquids safely.
- Office-friendly: fits most standard mug warmers and sits securely on communal trays and kitchen counters.
- 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.