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Middle East - The Eastern Mediterranean (1959) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

Middle East - The Eastern Mediterranean (1959) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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Middle East - The Eastern Mediterranean (1959) - Black Mug Design

This design is a map of the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean as they were drawn in 1959, with the lands around the eastern basin of the sea as its entire subject.

Visual Elements & Composition

The map is built around the coastline of the eastern Mediterranean, which anchors the layout and leads the eye inland. Geographical names, national boundaries and regional divisions fill the surrounding land, so the printed labels are as much a part of the picture as the outlines themselves. Nothing competes with the map: there are no decorative borders or illustrated figures, only the cartographer's linework and lettering, arranged to show how the region was organised on paper at that moment.

Meaning & Symbolism

A map from 1959 is a record of a particular view of the world. The boundaries, spellings and place names show how governments, surveyors and publishers understood this region in the late 1950s, which makes the print a document of its time as much as a picture of the land. The Eastern Mediterranean has long been a crossroads of trade, empire and migration, and a map centred on its eastern shore captures why cartographers kept returning to it. For anyone interested in mid-century geography, the design reads as a snapshot of a region that was, and still is, strategically central.

Turning the Map in Your Hands

A mug is held and turned, so this map is never seen all at once. Each rotation brings a different stretch of coast and a different cluster of names into view, which suits a design built on regional detail. Lift it for the first sip and the eastern basin is in front of you; turn it to refill and the surrounding lands come round in sequence. It is a good companion for a slow morning spent tracing borders, and a cheeky conversation starter for anyone who thinks geography lessons ended at school.

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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.