About this design
SP-495
SP-495 (Brazil) (Road Sign) Black Coffee Mug
SP-495 turns a road marker into a clean, graphic statement: a black-outlined pentagon carrying the letters SP and the numerals 495, drawn in flat vector against a wide white field.
Visual Elements & Composition
White dominates the composition, filling roughly four-fifths of the frame, with black taking up most of the rest and a thin band of light grey barely registering. The pentagon sits at the centre, its outline doubled by an inner black border that gives the shape weight without any ornament. The two text elements, SP and 495, are the only details, set bold and legible so the marker reads at a glance. Nothing competes with them. The style is minimalist and modern, built from hard edges and flat colour.
Meaning & Symbolism
SP-495 is a state route designation from São Paulo, the Brazilian state whose initials open the code. Route markers exist to make a road identifiable in an instant, and this design honours that job by making the sign itself the subject. The pentagon and the number do all the talking, which is why the piece feels like a tribute to Brazilian road identity rather than a picture of any particular place. The simplicity keeps the focus on the code and what it stands for: a route that gets you where you're going.
On the Black Mug
A mug is turned in the hand, one slow rotation at a time. Each time you lift it for a sip, the marker swings round to face you, and the route number comes into view as you bring the cup to your lips. The pentagon is a compact shape, so it suits the curve of a cup, and the bold white field stands out clearly to anyone sharing a table. It's a small piece of signage that earns its place on a morning routine.
- 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.