Water carafe, gilded 925 silver, legendary niello, 1.5 liters

Three details set this carafe apart from the entire range: a four-footed base that no other piece bears, a fully gilded Empire-style handle with a leaf motif and spherical finial, and a continuous niello band with acanthus tendrils. At 1.5 liters and over a kilogram of silver, the Legende is the most substantial single piece in the collection.

At a glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, gilded
• Technique: Niello engraving, acanthus ornamentation
• Collection: Legende
• Base: Four-footed with laurel leaf embellishment, gilded
• Handle: Empire style, curved, fully gilded
• Dimensions: D 125 × W 170 × H 280 mm
• Capacity: 1,500 ml
• Weight: approx. 1,250 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug
• Engraving: on request
• Delivery: in gift packaging
• Hallmark: 925 fineness and manufacturer's mark confirmed

Material and craftsmanship

The handle is crafted in the Empire style: richly curved, with a prominent leaf motif at the upper attachment point and a spherical finial at the lower end, fully gilded and substantial and firm to grip. The base is not a one-piece foot ring like most other carafes in the range, but consists of four individual, separate feet with laurel leaf embellishment and spherical bases at the tip — also gilded. A finely crafted bead border finishes the transition to the body.

A continuous niello band with lush acanthus tendrils runs around the body of the carafe — a motif with over two thousand years of history, hand-engraved and then filled with the dark niello paste. This inlay is not paint or lacquer, but a chemical-physical bond with the silver that deepens with polishing over the years. What distinguishes the Legende from other niello carafes is the extent of the gilding: handle, four-footed base, lid rim, spout rim, and lid knob are all structurally executed in matte, rich gold — not mere accents, but load-bearing design elements that make the silver in between appear all the clearer. The Legende is manufactured by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where niello art has been documented since 1683; each piece undergoes around 15 stages of work there.

Use and occasions

1.5 liters make the Legende a table carafe for a long banquet — for water at a wedding dinner, wine at a milestone anniversary, or a tray at a reception. As a wedding gift, it suits a bridal couple who do not want an ordinary service; for a company anniversary, it becomes a present that can stand in the office for decades; as a collector's item, it complements an existing niello collection with a representative centerpiece.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

The Legende can be engraved — on the base, on the lid, or, by arrangement, at another suitable point. A date, an initial monogram, or a short dedication transforms the centerpiece into a named piece. It's best to contact us briefly beforehand to discuss the possibilities.

Upon request, we include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm, landscape) — individually designed digitally, suitable for the occasion and currently free of charge.

Care

Hand wash with mild detergent and a soft cloth, do not put in the dishwasher. For daily use, this is sufficient; if you display the carafe in a showcase, occasionally polish it with a silver cleaning cloth — the contrast between niello and silver will become even clearer over time.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes the Legende from other carafes in the range?
The four-footed base made of four individual, laurel leaf-adorned feet and the fully gilded Empire handle are unique to this piece. In addition, the extent of the gilding: handle, base, lid rim, spout rim, and lid knob are structurally gilded, not just accented. At approx. 1,250 g, the Legende is also the heaviest single piece in the range.

Is the carafe suitable for daily use?
Yes. 925 sterling silver can be used daily — as a water carafe, table jug, or serving vessel for wine, juices, or herbal infusions. For everyday use, hand washing with mild detergent is recommended.

For what occasions is the Legende suitable as a gift?
As a wedding gift, a corporate anniversary gift, or as an addition for collectors of Russian niello art. You can find more exceptional pieces in our collection Tableware & Silverware.

You might also be interested in

You can find more representative tableware in our Tableware & Silverware and under Gift Ideas in 925 Silver.