Tea cup porcelain & 925 silver Niello 125 ml

Some things are not explained by their function, but by the way you hold them. This teacup is a good example: the porcelain sits in a holder made of 925 sterling silver, and it is the holder you hold when drinking. No cup handle, no compromise – this is Russian tea culture in its clearest form. The silver holder features a continuous niello band with roses and tendrils in deep black on polished silver, and the white porcelain with its ribbed decor is perfectly suited for this contrast.

At a Glance

• Silver holder – Material: 925 sterling silver, highly 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 tendrils, continuous floral pattern
• Holder handle: D-shaped bow handle, smoothly polished
• Hallmark: present
• Scope of delivery: Silver holder with porcelain insert, gift box
• Engraving: available upon request

Material and Workmanship

In the Russian tea ritual, there is a concept little 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 on the porcelain: You hold the warm through the cool, silver conducts heat slower than you think, and the bow handle remains pleasant to hold, even when the tea is still hot. This concept originated in 19th-century Russian railway culture, where tea was served in metal holders that were not supposed to tip over or burn. The silver holder of this cup features a continuous niello band – roses, peonies, and curved tendrils in deep black, melted into polished 925 sterling silver. The white porcelain with its structured ribbed decor can be easily removed for cleaning.

Use and Occasions

With 125 ml, the cup corresponds to a classic tea portion 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 a drink: for weddings, milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or Christmas. For tea lovers who already own many things, and for collectors of Russian silver art, the combination of the podstakannik form and niello hand engraving is a rarity that clearly stands out from ordinary tea ware.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

An engraving is possible upon request – contact us before ordering so we can jointly determine the appropriate area on the silver holder. As a personal addition, we offer the SilberVerse card: a 15 × 10 cm (landscape) photo, individually designed and currently free of charge.

Care

The ingenious thing about this piece is also its 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 mild dish soap. The silver holder should only be hand-washed; no dishwasher, no ultrasonic cleaner, and no silver dip, as these methods can damage the niello inlay. The niello band is permanently melted in and does not fade; for the polished silver surface at the base and on the bow handle, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. Store dry, ideally in the gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a podstakannik – and why does the porcelain cup not have a handle?
A podstakannik is a Russian metal tea holder in which a drinking vessel made of glass or porcelain sits. The handle is on the holder, not on 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 for pouring, fill it, and reinsert it.

What distinguishes 925 silver from silver-plated tea ware?
Silver-plated ware has a thin silver coating on another base metal, which wears off over time. 925 sterling silver is solid: the entire wall thickness of the holder consists of the silver alloy, it can be polished and passed down without losing a coating.

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Discover more pieces of Russian silver and porcelain art in our collection Table Silver & Silverware. For the right idea for the occasion, take a look at our Gift Ideas.