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Submarine Cables of the World (1896) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

Submarine Cables of the World (1896) (Map) Black Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
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Submarine Cables of the World (1896) - Black Mug Design

This design is a world map of the undersea telegraph cables laid by 1896, with each cable traced as a fine line between the coasts it joined.

Visual Elements & Composition

The map is drawn in restrained line work on a dark field, so the cables carry the image. Continents sit as quiet masses, while the routes run across the oceans in tangled, overlapping arcs. Dense bundles gather around Western Europe and the North Atlantic, then thin out toward the Pacific, where a single line can span an enormous stretch of blank water. The lettering and place names are small and precise, the sort of cartographic detail that rewards a closer look.

Meaning & Symbolism

In 1896 these cables were the fastest connection between distant places. A message that once took weeks by ship could now cross an ocean in minutes, and the map shows that shrinking of the world as a network of wires. Britain, with its imperial reach, sits at the centre of many of the routes, which is why the chart reads as a record of empire as much as of engineering. It is a picture of the moment when the globe first became one connected system.

Made for the Hand

A map on a mug is read differently from a map on a wall. You turn the cup as you drink, and the cables slide past one by one, so the oceans reveal themselves in sequence rather than all at once. Wrapped around a curved surface, the network keeps its sense of connection: every route loops back toward the handle and the hands that hold it, which suits a design about messages finally arriving.

Size

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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.