Skip to product information
1 of 7

South America (1950) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

South America (1950) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

South America (1950) - Black Mug Design

This design is a map of South America, dated 1950, printed across the full wrap in pale line work against a deep black field.

Visual Elements & Composition

The continent fills the centre of the design, its unmistakable tapering shape running from the broad northern coastline down to the narrow southern point. Coastlines and borders are drawn in fine, light strokes, so the landmass reads as an outline of pale lines floating in black. The black background does most of the work: it pushes the continent forward and gives the whole map the quiet, graphic feel of a chart pulled from an old atlas. Any lettering is kept small and secondary, so the shape of the land stays the first thing the eye reads.

Meaning & Symbolism

A map is a record of how people once understood the world, and this one carries the date 1950 in its title, placing it in the mid-century period when printed atlases were a standard household reference. Choosing South America as the subject gives the piece its meaning: a continent defined by the Andes running its length, the Amazon basin spreading across the interior, and a coastline that shaped centuries of exploration and trade. The year and the continent together make the design a snapshot of a particular moment in cartography, when maps were still hand-drawn in spirit and meant to be read closely.

Made for the Hand

A mug is turned slowly in the hands, so the map never appears all at once. You see the northern coast first, then the sweep of the interior as the cup rotates, and the southern tip comes into view last, the way a reader traces a route across a page. The black ground keeps the lines crisp under the warm glow of a morning coffee, and the design rewards close attention, which suits a cup that is held for a long, unhurried sip. For anyone who spends more time over their coffee than their atlas, this is a small way to keep one continent in view.

Size

Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all products.

Buy 2
10% OFF
Buy 3+
20% OFF
Buy 5+
30% OFF
Buy 10+
40% OFF

Automatically applied at checkout.

View full details

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.