Teacup 925 silver gold plated – ZAREN FEST collection

There are cups you use, and there are cups you gaze at before you even lift them. The "Tsar's Feast" teacup belongs to the latter category: a chalice made of 925 sterling silver, gilded inside, and covered on the outside with a dense niello floral relief that evokes courtly table culture while appearing surprisingly understated. No loud shine, but a quiet value that is only noticed upon closer inspection.

At a Glance

• Dimensions: D 76 mm × W 102 mm × H 98 mm
• Capacity: approx. 155 ml
• Weight: approx. 168 g (may vary slightly)
• Material: 925 sterling silver, gilding, niello
• Collection: Tsar's Feast
• Origin: Russia
• Hallmark / Stamp: present
• Packaging: Presentation and protective case

Material and Craftsmanship

The body is made of solid 925 sterling silver and features a continuous niello pattern: a dark silver alloy applied to finely engraved lines that chemically and physically bonds with the silver – not a lacquer, not a coating, but a technique known as "ink in silver" for around 3,000 years. The floral relief pattern is created in several steps: engraving, niello inlay, polishing, gilding, and a final finish inspection. Inside, the cup is completely gilded, which gives the drink a warm golden shimmer and simultaneously protects against tarnishing. The curved handle and base are also gilded, while the body contrasts in bright silver with the blackened niello details – an interplay that even deepens over time with polishing. The cup bears a hallmark as proof of its silver content. It is produced in small quantities; if a particular piece is currently unavailable, reordering is generally possible.

Use and Occasions

With a capacity of approx. 155 ml, the "Tsar's Feast" cup is suitable for tea, hot chocolate, or a concentrated coffee – for those moments when it's not about the quantity, but about the gesture. Its balanced chalice shape rests comfortably in the hand, while the gilded interior bathes every drink in warm light. Whether as part of a small tea ceremony, an eye-catcher at a festive breakfast, or a decorative object in a display cabinet: the cup impresses not with loudness, but with tranquility. As a gift, it suits wedding anniversaries, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or for people who appreciate collectibles of Russian silver art. Complemented by a matching saucer and a teaspoon from the same collection, it creates a small, harmonious gift set for a tea ceremony.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Engraving on this cup is very limited, as the gilded and niello-treated surface is sensitive to additional interventions – please inquire before ordering whether and where an engraving can be done. As a personal addition, upon request, we offer a custom-designed SilberVerse card in the format of 15 × 10 cm – with a message tailored to the occasion and recipient, currently free of charge. Simply note your request in the order field.

Care

Clean the cup exclusively by hand with mild dish soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and dishwashers, as both the gilding and the niello inlay are sensitive to mechanical stress. A soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient to maintain its shine permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the "Tsar's Feast" teacup suitable for hot beverages?
Yes. It is made of solid 925 sterling silver with a gilded interior and is perfectly suited for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

How durable is the niello finish?
Very durable. Niello bonds firmly with the silver and is not an applied layer – the technique has centuries of tradition and becomes more beautiful with time through polishing rather than dull.

Can I have a name or date engraved?
Only very limited, as the gilded and niello-decorated surface is delicate. Please inquire before ordering whether an engraving area is suitable. Alternatively, we recommend the personal SilberVerse card as an addition.

You might also be interested in

For a more complete picture of the collection, it's worth taking a look at our selection of Table Silver & Silverware, where you'll find other Russian table silver with the same character. If you're still looking for a suitable occasion or a general gift idea, check out our Gift Ideas in 925 Sterling Silver.