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World Ocean Floor (1981) (Map) White Coffee Mug

World Ocean Floor (1981) (Map) White Coffee Mug

100 in stock

Regular price $17.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $17.99 USD
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World Ocean Floor (1981) - Ceramic Mug Design

This design is a map of the seafloor, showing the ocean basins with the water drained away so the ridges, trenches and abyssal plains read like terrain.

Visual Elements & Composition

The composition is built on shaded relief. Deep basins fall away in dark blues, while the crests of the mid-ocean ridges rise in lighter tones, so the eye follows the land beneath the sea. The great ridge system snakes through the centre of the Atlantic and Indian oceans, and the Pacific's trenches cut dark seams along its edges. Continents appear at the margins in muted, earthy colours, reading as a frame rather than the subject. There is little text, just the restrained labelling that a scientific chart needs, and the sweep of the whole globe fills the surface without a single border to interrupt it.

Meaning & Symbolism

The map belongs to the work of Marie Tharp and Bruce Heezen, who in the 1950s and 1960s assembled soundings from research ships into the first detailed picture of the ocean floor. Their discovery of a continuous rift running along the Atlantic ridge gave weight to continental drift and helped found modern plate tectonics. The painted, panoramic style reflects the collaboration with the artist Heinrich Berann, whose vision made hidden terrain look like a landscape you could travel across. Printed in 1981, the image carries that story: the sea, once a blank to most people, revealed as a mountainous country with its own geography.

Turning It in Hand

A mug is turned slowly in the hand, so the map arrives in pieces: an ocean basin on one side, a ridge rising into view as the cup rotates. The white base lets the blues and shadows stand out clearly, and the curve of the cup suits a globe that is itself a curved surface. It makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who has ever stared at a world map and wondered what lies beneath the water, and a conversation starter for the first cup of the morning.

Size

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Sturdy white ceramic mugs available in 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml), with a glossy finish and comfortable C-handle — microwave and dishwasher safe, and made from lead- and BPA-free materials.

These mugs are built from durable white ceramic so colors pop cleanly and prints read with strong contrast. A smooth, glossy glaze gives each mug a lively sheen and makes it easy to wipe clean after daily use.

Both sizes feature a classic C-shaped handle that feels natural in the hand; whether you sip slowly or gulp quickly, the grip is steady. Safety-wise, the ceramic is processed to be lead- and BPA-free — suitable for everyday drinking.

  • Material: white ceramic with a glossy glaze for bright, clear prints.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) to suit small and generous pours.
  • Handle: comfortable C-handle for balanced holding and easy lifting.
  • Safety: lead-free and BPA-free for peace of mind with every cup.
  • Finish: glossy surface that highlights saturated inks and smooth detail.

Perfect for morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a rich hot chocolate — these mugs fit comfortably in most cabinets and cupholders. They’re also a reliable choice for office kitchens where items see frequent use.

  1. Everyday use: safe for hot liquids and daily serving; the wider 15 oz option works great for larger morning routines or extra-steamy drinks.
  2. Office-friendly: the classic profile stacks easily with similar mugs and sits securely on standard saucers and trays.
  3. Gift idea: a practical, well-finished mug is useful and simple to display or wrap for gifting.

Quick note: while the mugs are dishwasher-safe, treating them gently helps keep the print looking fresh longer (see Care tab).

These mugs are rated for microwave and dishwasher use, but small habits extend their life. Run them on the top rack of the dishwasher and avoid high-temperature commercial cycles whenever possible.

For longest-lasting print clarity: hand wash with mild dish soap and a soft cloth, avoid abrasive scouring pads, and don’t let them soak in strong detergents. When microwaving, use short intervals and avoid empty heating.

Available sizes: 11 oz (approximately 330 ml) and 15 oz (approximately 440 ml). The 11 oz is a classic coffee size; the 15 oz gives extra room for cream, froth, or larger servings.

Each mug has a standard-width mouth for easy sipping and cleaning; height and diameter vary slightly between sizes to maintain comfortable proportions and sturdy balance.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.74 4.61
Diameter (in) 3.15 3.43

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.