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Thomas K. Smith, Half-Length Portrait, Facing Left (U.S. Civil War) Color Changing Mug 11oz

Thomas K. Smith, Half-Length Portrait, Facing Left (U.S. Civil War) Color Changing Mug 11oz

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
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Thomas K. Smith: A Glimpse into the Past

This color-changing coffee mug unveils a poignant piece of history: a half-length portrait of Thomas K. Smith, a figure from the American Civil War era. The design presents a visual echo of a bygone time, allowing you to connect with the past through this evocative representation.

The Portrait Revealed

The artwork centers on the stoic image of Thomas K. Smith. His form is presented in a half-length perspective, a common framing technique of the era that focused attention on the subject's face and uniform. He is shown facing left, a subtle detail that adds to the image's inherent historical value and the potential for context to the viewer.

Color-Changing Transformation

The true magic of this design lies in its dynamic nature. When cold, the mug presents a shadowed, potentially monochromatic image. As the mug warms and the drink is added, the portrait of Thomas K. Smith will gradually come to life, as the colors become visible. This transformation serves as a visual metaphor, a bringing to light of a past era, from darkness to revelation.

Symbolism and Significance

The portrait itself, particularly given its context within the U.S. Civil War, carries a weight of symbolism. It represents remembrance, the human cost of conflict, and the enduring legacy of those who lived through that tumultuous period. The mug's design allows for a moment of reflection and a visual tribute to a soldier and a historical chapter.

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Color-changing ceramic mugs with a glossy finish, black exterior, and white interior. Available in one size: 11 oz (≈330 ml). Heat-reactive coating reveals your custom design when filled with hot liquid. BPA- and lead-free, with a comfortable C-handle.

This mug brings a playful twist to the daily coffee or tea ritual. At room temperature, it looks like a simple black mug with a glossy finish. But add a hot beverage, and your chosen design fades into view, showing vivid colors against the white interior.

The ceramic body is durable enough for repeated use, while the C-shaped handle balances comfort and grip. Printing uses sublimation techniques that fuse color into the heat-reactive surface for crisp results when the design appears.

  • Material: ceramic with glossy black exterior and white interior.
  • Size: one standard size, 11 oz (≈330 ml).
  • Finish: glossy glaze with heat-sensitive surface.
  • Printing: sublimation process produces crisp, vibrant colors.
  • Safety: BPA-free and lead-free, suitable for everyday drinks.
  • Effect: design is faintly visible when cold, fully revealed when hot.

Perfect as a novelty gift or a fun personal mug, the heat-reactive design makes coffee breaks more engaging. It works well for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or hot chocolate.

  1. Daily routine: fill with any hot beverage to reveal your chosen artwork.
  2. Gifting: the “magic” reveal makes it a memorable present for birthdays, holidays, or office exchanges.
  3. Office use: sparks conversation while still being practical for everyday drinks.

Note: for best results, avoid designs that rely heavily on deep black backgrounds, as they may blend with the mug’s surface when cold.

Unlike standard mugs, color-changing mugs require gentler care to preserve the heat-reactive coating. Hand-wash only — avoid the dishwasher and abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the finish and reduce the effect.

The mug is safe for short microwave use when heating liquids, but repeated high-heat cycles may shorten the lifespan of the coating. Always allow the mug to cool before washing.

Available in one classic size: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml). It’s large enough for most standard coffee makers and fits comfortably in most cabinets.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz
Height (in) 3.78
Diameter (in) 3.23
Diameter w/ handle (in) 4.76

Note: measurements are approximate; slight variations may occur due to manufacturing tolerances.