Teacup 925 Silver Niello — Silver Cup, Floral Motif, 300 ml

A cup that stands alone – no saucer underneath, no tea infuser on top. This 925 Sterling Silver teacup is part of SevChern's Kraft collection: a large-scale niello floral motif with sunflowers and tendrils in the middle, polished silver at the top and bottom, a capacity of 300 ml, and a weight that feels distinctly different from any ceramic cup in your hand.

At a Glance

• Material: 925 Sterling Silver, highly polished, niello
• Niello motif: large-scale floral motif – sunflowers, blossoms, tendrils
• Collection: Kraft (SevChern)
• Capacity: 300 ml
• Height: 100 mm
• Width with handle: 120 mm
• Diameter: 85 mm
• Weight: 217 g
• Shape: Trumpet shape with base, loop handle
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: present
• Engraving: available upon request
• Gift box: included

Material and Craftsmanship

The floral motif of the Kraft collection is the most distinctive feature of this cup: sunflowers in full bloom, sweeping tendrils, smaller individual blossoms, densely composed and without empty spaces. The band sits in the middle of the wall, framed by two thin niello lines. Niello is not an applied layer, but a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into finely engraved depressions and permanently bonded to the silver base. Every blossom and every tendril has been hand-engraved; not a millimeter is accidental – the motif does not fade or wear off. Anyone viewing this cup from a meter away will immediately recognize the motif: this is the difference between a large-scale and a fine-grained niello pattern. SevChern produces niello silver in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast, where this tradition has been documented since 1683 – with a geographically protected designation of origin, comparable to Champagne from Champagne. In 1937, the manufactory received a gold medal at the World's Fair in Paris. This cup undergoes six production stages from the shaping of the silver blank to the final polishing and hallmarking, confirmed by the Russian Federal Assay Office.

Use and Occasions

The trumpet shape with the small flared base is one of the most characteristic forms of Russian silversmithing. With a height of 100 mm and a diameter of 85 mm, this cup has a substantial presence in the hand, and at 217 grams, it is significantly heavier than a ceramic cup of the same size. 300 ml is the classic size for a full tea infusion. The solid silver wall dissipates heat evenly, and the side loop handle makes the cup easy to handle even with hot contents. As a single item, it is a complete gift – those who drink from it daily do not need a saucer or spoon. Those looking for the complete ritual will find it in the 4-piece tea set with the same cup, complemented by a saucer, tea infuser with lid, and teaspoon in the same floral motif. For a wedding, anniversary, or birthday, a single silver cup is a gift with its own message: not a set that is too much, but precisely the one piece that is intended.

Engraving and SilverVerse Card

A personal engraving is possible upon request – on the bottom of the cup or on a less ornate area. This transforms the cup into a piece that accompanies a specific person at a specific moment. Upon request, we will include a SilverVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm landscape, currently free of charge and individually designed.

Care

The only rule: hand wash only with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. No dishwasher, no silver dip, no ultrasonic cleaner – these methods damage the niello inlay. The floral motif is permanently fused and will not fade. For the polished silver surfaces, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. Store dry, ideally in the included gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really a silver mug or a teacup?
Both. The term "Silberbecher" (silver mug/cup) in German silversmithing tradition is the usual term for silver drinking vessels with handles, regardless of whether they are used for tea, coffee, or as a beaker. This cup has a handle, holds 300 ml, and is suitable for all hot beverages.

What is niello, and why does the motif remain permanent?
Niello is a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded to the silver. Not a lacquer, no paint, no print – part of the metal itself. The motif does not fade or wear off.

What distinguishes this cup from silver-plated tableware?
Silver-plated tableware has a layer of silver on another base metal, which wears off over time. This cup is made of solid 925 Sterling Silver – the wall thickness, base, and handle are solid silver throughout. It can be polished, repaired, and passed down without losing a coating. The hallmark officially confirms the composition.

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