Baptismal Cup "Archangel Michael" 120ml - 925 Silver Niello Decoration

In his right hand he holds a sword, tip pointing downward, the hilt at chest height — the classic pose of Archangel Michael in Orthodox iconography. Not a generic angel motif, but a specifically identifiable figure with a mission, immortalized on a child's cup, glowing as a silver line against a black niello background.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver with niello inlay
• Volume: 120 ml
• Diameter: Ø 55 mm
• Width (with handle): 82 mm
• Height: 83 mm
• Weight: approx. 109 g
• Handle: flat-oval, proportioned for a child
• Base: ring-shaped, wide and flat, stable
• Motif: Archangel Michael — negative niello medallion (front) with vine arabesques
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug — niello tradition since 1683
• Engraving: possible upon review (name, date, dedication)

Material and craftsmanship

The oval medallion on the front takes up a large portion of the cup's surface, framed by a clear niello oval line. Inside, the background is completely filled with niello — deep black, without gaps. From this dark base, the angel figure stands out as a silver line: standing, frontal, with sword, halo, and symmetrically spread wings, with stylized clouds beneath its feet. This reversal of the usual niello technique — black background, silver figure — makes the angel literally emerge from the darkness. To the right of the medallion, a second ornamental field opens up with vine tendrils and grape clusters, a sacred motif in the Russian Orthodox iconographic tradition representing life and the Eucharist. The cup is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where the art of niello has been documented since 1683. Each piece is created in about 15 work steps, with each master leaving their own distinct signature in line thickness and contrast.

Occasions and target groups

In the Orthodox tradition, Archangel Michael is the patron saint of the newly baptized — the angel who watches over the child on their life's journey. Choosing this cup for a baptism is therefore not just an aesthetic decision, but a statement: this angel belongs to this child. The motif is not confessionally exclusive — those who do not interpret the archangel liturgically will read it as a timeless symbol of protection, recognized across cultural boundaries as a guardian. With 120 ml, the cup is suitable for a child's first attempts at drinking and will accompany them throughout their toddler years; the motif grows with them and becomes a conversation piece as the child gets older.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

For godparents looking for a baptismal verse to match the angel motif, Psalm 91:11 is the classic formula: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." The verse can be added as an engraving upon review or included as a personal dedication on a card. The engraving itself is carried out upon review — with a name, date, or dedication, with no fixed position requirements; please contact us directly via the shop for this. Upon request with your order, we will include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm landscape) — individually designed to suit the occasion and the child, free of charge.

Care

Clean the exterior with a soft silver polishing cloth — do not scrub the niello areas, just wipe them with a soft cloth. Rinse the inside with lukewarm water, do not let dish soap sit in it, and do not put it in the dishwasher. The niello inlay does not change when washed and does not fade: over time, the contrasts deepen as the silver is polished — the black becomes richer, the silver brighter. The cup does not grow older over the years, but more refined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which angel is depicted on the cup?
Archangel Michael — recognizable by the sword, halo, spread wings, frontal pose, and clouds as a base. In the Orthodox tradition, he is the leader of the heavenly hosts and the patron saint of the newly baptized.

What does Nielloa mean?
Nielloa is our brand name for genuine niello artworks from SevChern. Niello is the technique itself — a sulfur-silver alloy known for over 3,000 years that is fused into engraved silver lines; it is not a lacquer or coating, but chemically permanently bonded to the metal.

Is the baptismal cup suitable for boys and girls?
Yes. The Archangel Michael motif is gender-neutral in the Orthodox tradition and carries no gender-specific symbolism.

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You can find more meaningful motifs in our selection of Baptism Gifts. For the birth itself, please feel free to browse our Birth Gifts.