Wildlife Safari Series Mugs (Elephant and Tiger)
Ceramic vessel, commercial design • Starbucks Coffee Company (Commercial Design Department)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Graphic Design / Corporate Minimalist Art
Medium & Technique
Glazed ceramic (stoneware or porcelain) with matte exterior finish and glossy interior glaze; decal or stencil application for imagery
Creation Period
Early 21st Century (c. 2010-2015)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4-5 inches in height; cylindrical three-dimensional mugs
Subject Description
Stylized, minimalist depictions of an elephant and a tiger in white against a dark matte background. The elephant features thick, simplified lines emphasizing its ears and trunk, while the tiger is rendered in a curved, calligraphic style. Both designs use the negative space of the ceramic body to create form.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Fair; visible scuffing on the matte black finish and signs of shelf wear
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD per pair
Auction Estimate
$5 - $15 USD
Provenance History
Mass-produced retail merchandise for Starbucks Coffee Company; likely sourced from a thrift or secondhand retail environment based on the shelving.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the global proliferation of corporate aesthetic design in everyday objects. While not 'fine art' in a traditional sense, these objects reflect the influence of tribal and minimalist graphic trends on early 2010s consumer goods.
Notable Features
Contrasting interior glazes (orange and red) which categorize them as part of a specific seasonal or thematic collection; the use of tactile matte surfaces versus high-gloss interiors.
Condition Issues
Surface abrasions on the matte exterior (common for this finish), potential hard water stains on the interior, and wear on the foot-ring.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only to prevent further degradation of the matte finish; avoid abrasive sponges and acidic cleaners.
Collector Notes
Starbucks mugs