About this design
MG-422
MG-422 (Brazil) (Road Sign) Black Coffee Mug
This design reproduces a Brazilian road marker: a white pentagonal shield bearing the letters MG above the numerals 422, set on a black field.
Visual Elements & Composition
The composition is almost entirely two colours, black and white, with white taking roughly three quarters of the field. The pentagon sits at the centre of the layout and is framed by a thin inner border that echoes its outline, so the shape reads cleanly from a distance. The lettering is bold and evenly spaced, with MG stacked over 422. Nothing decorative competes with the sign. It is flat vector work, crisp edges and no shading, which gives it the clarity of an actual piece of roadside signage.
Meaning & Symbolism
Road signs are built to be understood in a glance, and this one carries its meaning in its code. MG is the abbreviation for Minas Gerais, one of Brazil's largest states, and 422 is the number of one of its state routes. The shield form is the visual language of that road network, so the design tells you where a road goes and who maintains it without a single word of explanation. It is a modern, formal piece that treats a functional object as a small emblem of place.
Crafted for the Morning Cup
A mug is turned in the hand and read at close range, one side at a time as the coffee cools. Here the shield sits wholly within the printed wrap, so the pentagon and its numerals come round to face you as you lift the mug. It makes a sharp, quietly cheeky talking point for anyone who has driven a Brazilian highway or dreams of one, and a warm reminder of the road each time the cup is raised.
- 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.