Coffee cup made of porcelain & 925 silver Niello 50 ml

White porcelain and 925 sterling silver with niello embellishment – two materials that could hardly be more different, and yet complement each other so well. This coffee cup follows the Podstakannik principle, which has been rooted in Russian tea tradition for centuries, giving the porcelain body its distinctive shape with a silver holder, base, and handle.

At a Glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver (holder, base, band, handle) and white porcelain (insert)
• Dimensions: approx. D 84.5 × W 105.5 × H 78 mm
• Volume: approx. 50 ml
• Weight: approx. 77 g
• Construction: Podstakannik principle, removable porcelain insert
• Embellishment Technique: Niello on silver band
• Motif: floral pattern with a central blossom
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Engraving: available upon request

Material and Craftsmanship

Podstakannik literally means "that which stands under the glass" – referring to a holder for hot beverages that has been common in Russia since the 18th century. In this cup, the silver holder performs precisely this function for the white porcelain insert: the porcelain neutrally absorbs the taste of the beverage, while the silver holder makes the aesthetic statement. The insert can be removed for cleaning. The circumferential silver band carries the decorative center of the cup: a central blossom surrounded by leaves and fine lines, engraved in silver and filled with niello. Niello is a blackening alloy created by melting it into engraved depressions, adhering permanently to the metal – no peeling, no fading. SevChern manufactures in Veliky Ustyug, a city in northern Russia known for its niello art for over three centuries; the workshops there received a gold medal at the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris for a technique that involves six precise steps: engraving, preparation of the niello compound, melting, controlled cooling, grinding, and final polishing.

Usage and Occasions

With a capacity of approximately 50 ml, this cup is ideal for a double espresso. The construction of a porcelain insert and silver holder is not a compromise, but a conscious decision for the best of both materials – a silver cup and porcelain in one. As a gift, it has substance: suitable for a wedding, an anniversary, as a birthday gift for someone with discerning taste, or as an exceptional Christmas gift. The combination of white, silver gleam, and deep black is striking without being obtrusive.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Upon request, engraving on the silver holder is possible. For a particularly personal touch, we are happy to include a SilberVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm landscape, currently free of charge and individually inscribed – it complements the cup as a personal dedication in the format of a genuine silver dedication card.

Care

Clean the silver holder by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap; do not use a dishwasher. The porcelain insert can be removed separately and cleaned normally – one of the practical advantages of the Podstakannik principle. If necessary, treat silver with a soft silver polishing cloth and store it dry to minimize tarnishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean the porcelain insert separately?
Yes. The porcelain insert can be removed from the silver holder and washed separately – this is one of the practical advantages of the Podstakannik principle.

What is niello, and how does it differ from enamel?
Niello is a blackening alloy that is melted into silver depressions. The result is deep black, matte, and permanent. Enamel, on the other hand, is a colored glass mass, glossy and multi-colored. Niello appears more archaic and mineral, enamel more vibrant and colorful.

Is this cup suitable for espresso?
With a capacity of approximately 50 ml, it is ideal for a double espresso. For those who prefer something larger, we also offer 60 ml and 105 ml variants in our range.

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