Tea cup porcelain and 925 silver Niello 125 ml

Some things are not explained by their function, but by the way you hold them in your hand. This teacup is a perfect example of this: the porcelain sits in a holder made of 925 sterling silver, and it is this holder that you grasp when drinking. No teacup handle, no compromise – this is Russian tea culture in its purest form. The silver holder features a wrap-around niello band with roses and vines in deep black against polished silver, and the white porcelain with its ribbed decor is perfectly suited to this contrast.

At a glance

• Silver holder – Material: 925 sterling silver, high-gloss polished, niello engraving
• Porcelain – Material: Porcelain insert with ribbed decor
• Capacity: approx. 125 ml
• Dimensions: approx. D 82 × W 103 × H 66 mm
• Weight: approx. 62 g
• Niello motif: Roses and vines, all-around floral pattern
• Holder handle: D-loop handle, smoothly polished
• Purity: 925 sterling silver
• Scope of delivery: Silver holder with porcelain insert, gift box
• Engraving: Possible upon verification

Material and craftsmanship

In the Russian tea ritual, there is a concept that is barely known in the West: the podstakannik, literally "that which stands under the glass" – a metal holder in which a drinking vessel made of glass or porcelain sits. The handle is on the metal, not the porcelain. This concept originally emerged in the 19th-century Russian railway culture, where tea was served in metal holders that were designed not to tip over and not to burn the hands. The silver holder of this cup features a wrap-around niello band – roses, peonies, and curved vines in deep black, fused into polished 925 sterling silver. The white porcelain with its textured ribbed decor can be easily removed for cleaning.

Use and occasions

With 125 ml, the cup corresponds to a classic tea serving size as is common in Russian and Oriental tea culture – for black tea, green tea, herbal tea, or a lungo. As a gift, this piece is suitable for any occasion where tea is more than just a drink: for a wedding, a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or Christmas. For tea lovers who already own many things, and for collectors of Russian silver art, the combination of the podstakannik form and hand-engraved niello is a rarity that clearly stands out from ordinary tea sets.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving is possible upon verification – contact us before ordering so we can determine the appropriate surface on the silver holder together. As a personal addition, we offer the SilberVerse card: a 15 × 10 cm photo (landscape format), individually designed and free of charge.

Care

The highlight of this piece is also the care: the porcelain cup and silver holder are separable. For cleaning, remove the cup from the holder – the porcelain can be cleaned normally with warm water and a mild detergent. Treat the silver holder exclusively with hand washing; no dishwasher, no ultrasonic cleaner, and no silver dip, as these methods can damage the niello inlay. The niello band is permanently fused and will not fade; for the polished silver surface on the base and the loop handle, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. Store in a dry place, ideally in the gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a podstakannik – and why does the porcelain cup have no handle?
A podstakannik is a Russian metal tea holder in which a glass or porcelain drinking vessel sits. The handle is on the holder, not the cup – you hold the silver, not the porcelain. This concept originates from 19th-century Russian tea culture.

Is the porcelain cup removable?
Yes – the cup sits in the holder and can be easily removed. This is important for cleaning, as porcelain and silver should be cared for separately. You can also remove the cup when pouring, fill it, and place it back into the holder.

What distinguishes 925 silver from silver-plated tea sets?
Silver-plated tableware has a thin silver coating on another base metal that wears off over time. 92 5 sterling silver is solid: the entire wall thickness of the holder consists of the silver alloy; it can be polished and passed down through generations without the loss of any coating.

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