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Richmond, Va. Barges With African Americans On The Canal; Ruined Buildings Beyond (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Richmond, Va. Barges With African Americans On The Canal; Ruined Buildings Beyond (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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Richmond, Va. Barges With African Americans On The Canal; Ruined Buildings Beyond (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This striking coffee mug features a powerful image: Alexander Gardner's 1865 photograph of Richmond, Virginia, at the close of the American Civil War. The design presents a poignant visual narrative of the era.

Visual Elements and Meaning

The design prominently showcases a historical photograph that captures a scene of profound social and physical transformation. The core of the image centers on the canal, its waters reflecting the sky and the reflections of the objects in the water. Upon it are barges filled with African Americans, depicted carrying their possessions. This element serves as a potent visual representation of the transition from slavery to freedom, a moment of upheaval and hope.

Adding layers of context, the background reveals the ruined buildings of Richmond. These structures bear witness to the devastation inflicted during the war's final days, when Confederate forces burned the city. The contrast between the figures in the barges and the damaged urban landscape underscores the devastation of urban life and the social shifts of the war's conclusion.

Symbolism

The artwork's core symbolism lies in its multifaceted representations of emancipation, conflict, and societal change. The barges filled with African Americans, contrasted with the backdrop of destruction, encapsulate the larger story of liberation and the challenges that accompany it. The design serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and the enduring legacy of the U.S. Civil War.

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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.