Water carafe, gilded 925 silver, legendary niello, 1.5 liters

Three details set this carafe apart from the entire range: a four-legged base, which no other piece features; a fully gold-plated Empire-style handle with leaf motif and ball terminal; and a continuous niello band featuring acanthus vines. With a capacity of 1.5 liters and weighing over a kilogram of silver, the Legende is the most substantial individual piece in our collection.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, gold-plated
• Technique: Niello engraving, acanthus ornamentation
• Collection: Legende
• Base: Four-legged with laurel leaf decoration, gold-plated
• Handle: Empire style, curved, fully gold-plated
• Dimensions: D 125 × W 170 × H 280 mm
• Capacity: 1,500 ml
• Weight: approx. 1,250 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug
• Engraving: Subject to assessment
• Delivery: In a gift box
• Hallmark: yes

Material and Craftsmanship

The handle is crafted in the Empire style: richly curved, with a distinct leaf motif at the upper attachment point and a ball terminal at the lower end, fully gold-plated and providing a solid, comfortable grip. The base is not a single-piece pedestal ring like most other carafes in the range, but four separate, individual feet with laurel leaf ornamentation and a ball-shaped tip—also gold-plated. A finely crafted pearl-pattern border marks the transition to the belly of the vessel.

A continuous niello band with lush acanthus vines runs across the belly of the carafe—a motif with over two thousand years of history, hand-engraved and subsequently filled with dark niello paste. This inlay is neither paint nor lacquer, but a chemical-physical compound with the silver that deepens through polishing over the years. What distinguishes the Legende from other niello carafes is the extent of the gilding: the handle, four-legged base, lid rim, spout rim, and lid knob are all structurally finished in matte, rich gold—not mere accents, but defining design elements that make the surrounding silver appear all the more clear. The Legende is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where the art of niello has been documented since 1683; each piece undergoes approximately 15 stages of production there.

Usage and Occasions

Its 1.5-liter capacity makes the Legende a table carafe for long festive meals—for water at a wedding banquet, wine at a milestone anniversary, or on a tray for a reception. As a wedding gift, it suits a couple looking for something beyond ordinary tableware; for a company anniversary, it becomes a gift that can stand in an office for decades; as a collector's item, it adds a representative centerpiece to an existing niello collection.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

The Legende can be engraved upon assessment—on the base, the lid, or another suitable spot upon request. A date, an initial monogram, or a short dedication transforms the centerpiece into a personalized item. It is best to contact us in advance to discuss the possibilities.

Upon request, we can include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm, landscape)—digitally customized to suit the occasion, free of charge.

Care

Hand wash with mild detergent and a soft cloth; do not place in the dishwasher. This is sufficient for daily use; for carafes displayed in a cabinet, occasional polishing with a silver cloth will suffice—the contrast between the niello and silver will become even clearer over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the Legende from other carafes in the range?
The four-legged base consisting of four individual feet decorated with laurel leaves and the fully gold-plated Empire handle are unique to this piece. Furthermore, the extent of the gilding: the handle, base, lid rim, spout rim, and lid knob are structurally gold-plated, not just accented. At approximately 1,250 g, the Legende is also the heaviest individual piece in the range.

Is the carafe suitable for daily use?
Yes. 925 sterling silver can be used daily—as a water carafe, table pitcher, or serving vessel for wine, juices, or herbal infusions. For everyday use, we recommend hand washing with mild detergent.

For which occasions is the Legende suitable as a gift?
As a wedding gift, a corporate anniversary gift, or as an addition for collectors of Russian niello art. You can find more extraordinary pieces in our Table Silver & Silverware collection.

You might also be interested in

Other representative centerpieces can be found in our Table Silver & Silverware and under Gift Ideas in 925 Silver.