About this design
RJ-135
RJ-135 (Brazil) (Road Sign) Black Coffee Mug
This design takes the form of a Brazilian road marker: a white pentagonal route shield, outlined in black, carrying the code RJ 135.
Visual Elements & Composition
White fills roughly seven-tenths of the design, so the shield reads first as a bright, open field. Black takes most of the remaining space in its outline and lettering, with a small amount of grey as a quiet supporting tone. The pentagon sits centred and unbroken, with no background scenery or ornament around it. Its two numerals and the letters RJ are set in bold black type, making the code the only text and the single focal point. The flat vector style keeps every edge crisp and every shape clearly defined.
Meaning & Symbolism
A route shield is a navigational tool: it tells travellers which numbered road they are on. This one belongs to Rio de Janeiro state, and RJ 135 identifies a specific state route within Brazil's road network. The design borrows the visual language of official transport signage and presents it as a clean, modern object. Its meaning rests on that system of numbering, in which a short code stands for a particular road, a particular place and a particular journey.
Turning the Shield in Your Hands
A mug is held close and turned slowly, so the shield travels around its curve as you drink. Each turn brings the code back into view, and the pentagon's point and black outline stay sharp at every angle. Keep it for a morning brew, a long catch-up or a note for a friend who has always wanted to visit Rio. Every sip sends the traveller one step further along RJ 135.
- Theme
- Road Sign
- Place
- Brazil
- Also on
- 1 other mugs & glasses
- 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.