TSAR Cup 925 Silver Niello Repoussé — Gilded Mead Toast

A toast with a wink, cast in silver: “Ай-да мёд! И в голову и в ноги бьёт. Жаль горек.” — an old Russian saying about mead, which tastes sweet but whose consequences the next morning are considered "bitter." The TSAR Goblet carries this humor in repoussé flowers, niello, and red garnets — a set for collectors who know that the finest pieces do not always have to be solemn.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, fine gold gilding (999), hand-engraved niello
• Technique: Repoussé high relief (chased flowers) + niello + engraving
• Inscription: Old Russian mead toast in Old Russian script
• Gemstones: 6–8 garnet cabochons (goblet knob and plate handles)
• Set: Trumpet-shaped goblet + plate/coaster/lid
• Dimensions: W 129 mm × H 158 mm (goblet on plate)
• Volume: 290 ml
• Weight: approx. 477 g (goblet + plate)
• Delivery: in its own glass display box with SevChern signature
• Engraving: possible upon review — oval cartouche on the cup

Material and craftsmanship

The trumpet-shaped goblet stands on a solid, tiered base made of 925 sterling silver. The cup features a dense golden floral ornament that grows three-dimensionally out of the silver — repoussé technique: the silver sheet is worked from the reverse with countless hammer blows until petals, stems, and leaves bulge and curve. This is not engraving, but sculpture, and it is considered one of the most demanding techniques a silversmith can master. Above this lies a niello band with medallions and geometric patterns, and below it, the knob with red garnet cabochons, individually set and glowing dark red. The inside of the goblet is completely gilded — gold that protects the contents and shimmers warmly in the light. The set also includes a plate that serves as a coaster, lid, and stage for the inscription: the toast runs in a circle around it in Old Russian script, with a figure in the center that visually captures the saying. Together, the goblet and plate weigh approximately 477 g of sterling silver.

Use and occasions

This set is suited to collectors with a sense of humor who understand that the most beautiful works of art do not always have to be deadly serious — a toast about mead in Old Russian script, surrounded by garnets, is irony at a high level. It suits people who enjoy celebrating with pleasure and self-irony, as well as diplomatic or business occasions where a humorous yet noble gift is intended to be remembered. For lovers of Russian culture, this set combines several traditions at once: mead as the forgotten drink of princes, niello and repoussé techniques from Veliky Ustyug, Old Russian script, and garnets as a color accent. Together with the Moscow and Saint Petersburg ceremonial goblets, the TSAR Goblet can also be understood as a standalone third piece in a small collection of Russian silver art.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Additional engraving is possible upon review — the oval cartouche on the cup provides space for initials, a name, or a date. Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm landscape) — individually designed, suitable for the occasion, and free of charge.

Care

Wipe regularly with a soft silver polishing cloth; only dab the niello and repoussé areas lightly instead of rubbing. Do not use aggressive cleaners or scouring agents. Store in the supplied display box when the set is not on display.

Frequently asked questions

What does the inscription on the plate mean?

“Ай-да мёд! И в голову и в ноги бьёт. Жаль горек.” — roughly: “Oh, what mead! It hits you in the head and in the legs. It’s a pity it’s bitter.” An old Russian toast with self-deprecating humor: mead itself is sweet, the “bitterness” refers to the aftermath.

What is repoussé?

A chasing technique where the silver sheet is hammered from the back until the motifs grow out three-dimensionally. The golden flowers on the cup are crafted using this technique.

Can you drink from the goblet?

Yes — the goblet is made of 925 silver and is gilded on the inside. 290 ml is a generous measure, traditionally suitable for mead, but also for vodka, cognac, or wine.

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