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

In his right hand, he holds a sword, point downward, hilt at chest height — the classic pose of the 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 emerging from 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, child-friendly proportions
• Base: ring-shaped, wide-flat, stable
• Motif: Archangel Michael — negative niello medallion (front) with vine arabesques
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug — niello tradition since 1683
• Engraving: available upon request (name, date, dedication)

Material and workmanship

The oval medallion on the front occupies a large part of the cup's surface, framed by a clear niello oval line. Inside, the background is entirely filled with niello — deep black, without any recesses. From this dark background, the angelic figure emerges as a silver line: standing, frontal, with a sword, halo, and symmetrically spread wings, stylized clouds beneath its feet. This inversion of the usual niello technique — black background, silver figure — makes the angel literally step out of the darkness. To the right of the medallion, a second ornamental field opens up with vine tendrils and grape clusters, a sacred motif for life and the Eucharist in Russian Orthodox pictorial tradition. The cup is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where niello art has been documented since 1683. Each piece is created in approximately 15 steps, with each master leaving their unique 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 protects the child on their life's journey. Choosing this cup for a baptism is therefore not merely an aesthetic decision, but a statement: this angel belongs to this child. The motif is not confessionally exclusive — those who do not understand the Archangel liturgically interpret him as a timeless symbol of protection, recognized as a guardian across cultural boundaries. With 120 ml, the cup is suitable for a child's first attempts at drinking and accompanies them throughout early childhood; the motif grows with them and becomes a conversation starter as the child gets older.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

For godparents looking for a baptismal verse to accompany 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 or included as a personal dedication on a card. Engraving itself is available upon request — with a name, date, or dedication, without a fixed position; please contact the shop directly for this. For engraving orders, we can include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm landscape) upon request — individually designed, matching the occasion and child, currently free of charge.

Care

Clean the outer surface with a soft silver polishing cloth — do not scrub the niello areas, just wipe with a soft cloth. Rinse the inside with lukewarm water, do not let dish soap sit, and do not put it in the dishwasher. The niello inlay does not change during washing 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 age with the years, but becomes more precise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which angel is depicted on the cup?
Archangel Michael — recognizable by his sword, halo, spread wings, frontal pose, and clouds as a base. In 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 by SevChern. Niello is the technique itself — a sulfur-silver alloy that has been known for over 3,000 years and is melted into engraved silver lines, without lacquer or application, chemically permanently bonded to the metal.

Is the baptismal cup suitable for boys and girls?
Yes. The Archangel Michael motif is gender-neutral in 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 birth itself, feel free to browse our Birth Gifts.