Child's Cup, 925 Silver Niello — Boy Kitten, 125 ml

A playful kitten adorns this children's cup made of 925 sterling silver, permanently incorporated into the metal instead of printed or glued on. For those looking for a boy's first own drinking vessel that has character and won't disappear after one season, this is a piece with a motif that is more reminiscent of a small adventure than a delicate picture. The cup is made by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, one of the few remaining centers of Niello craftsmanship in Northern Russia, with a tradition that dates back more than 340 years.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, highly polished, Niello
• Niello motif: Boy kitten with encircling ornamental band
• Capacity: 125 ml
• Height: 57 mm
• Width with handle: 89 mm
• Diameter: 68 mm
• Weight: 95 g
• Shape: round base, stirrup handle
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Engraving: available on request

Material and craftsmanship

Niello is not a decoration that sits on a surface, but an alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions. The kitten and the encircling ornamental band are first engraved into the silver, then the Niello mass is heated and applied, before the surface is ground and polished until the black Niello is flush with the shiny silver. This creates a contrast of warm silver luster and deep black, which shows the motif with a three-dimensionality that no print can achieve. There is no fading, no chipping, no wear, the motif is part of the metal itself. The cup is made by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where Niello work has been documented since the 17th century.

Size and handling

A capacity of 125 ml is the practical measure for small children, large enough for a good sip, small enough to be held securely. The stirrup handle lies securely and stably in the hand, while the round base and compact shape with 68 mm diameter and 57 mm height provide additional stability. At 95 g, the cup is heavy enough to convey stability, yet remains easy for children's hands to handle.

Motif and symbolism

The boy kitten differs from its counterpart for girls in the way the motif is designed: drawn more playfully and directly, with an expression that suggests curiosity and movement rather than a delicate picture. This makes it well suited for a boy who discovers the world with zeal.

Occasions and target groups

As a christening gift or a gift for a first birthday, this cup accompanies a child first as a drinking vessel and later as a keepsake. For godparents and grandparents who are looking for a characterful rather than saccharine-decorative motif for a boy, the kitten is a good choice. Those who prefer a gender-neutral motif will find an alternative with identical size, material, and technique in the owl cup.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

A personal engraving is possible on request: a name, a date, a short sentence. An engraved children's cup thus becomes a piece that carries its own history and stands out from other christening gifts. If desired, the cup can also be combined with a SilberVerse card: individually designed in photo format 15 x 10 cm landscape, available on request.

Care

Clean the cup with warm water and mild dish soap; a soft cloth is sufficient. Aggressive cleaning agents and dishwashers are not suitable. A slight tarnish layer can be easily removed with a silver polishing cloth; the Niello itself does not change color or depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the boy kitten and the girl kitten?
The motif is designed differently: the boy kitten is drawn more playfully and directly, with an expression that emphasizes curiosity and movement, while the girl kitten appears more delicate and calm. Both cups are identical in size, material, and technique.

What is Niello, and why does the motif remain permanent?
Niello is a metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions. After polishing, it sits flush with the silver surface, firmly bonded to the metal. It cannot detach, chip, or fade.

What is the difference between 925 silver and silver-plated children's tableware?
Silver-plated children's tableware consists of a base metal with a thin silver layer that wears off over time. 925 sterling silver is solid; the entire piece consists of the same precious metal inside and out.

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