Child's Cup, 925 Silver Niello — Boy Kitten, 125 ml

A playful kitten adorns this children's cup made of 925 sterling silver, permanently integrated into the metal rather than printed or glued on. For anyone looking for a first drinking vessel for a boy that has character and won't disappear after one season, this piece features a motif that is reminiscent more of a little adventure than a delicate picture. The cup is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, one of the few remaining centers for niello work in Northern Russia, with a tradition dating back more than 340 years.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, high-gloss polished, niello
• Niello motif: boy kitten with a surrounding ornamental band
• Capacity: 125 ml
• Height: 57 mm
• Width with handle: 89 mm
• Diameter: 68 mm
• Weight: 95 g
• Shape: round base, loop handle
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Engraving: possible upon review

Material and craftsmanship

Niello is not a decoration sitting on a surface, but a black inlay that is melted into the engraved lines, ground flush, and polished – like ink in silver. The kitten and the surrounding ornamental band are first engraved into the silver, then the niello mass is heated and applied before the surface is ground and polished until the black niello is flush with the shiny silver. This creates a contrast of warm silver luster and deep black, displaying the motif with a plasticity that no print can achieve. There is no fading, no chipping, no wearing off; the motif is part of the metal itself. The cup is crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where niello work has been documented since the 17th century.

Size and handling

A capacity of 125 ml is the practical standard for small children, large enough for a good sip, small enough to be held securely. The loop handle sits safely and stably in the hand, while the round base and the compact shape with a diameter of 68 mm and a height of 57 mm provide additional stability. At 95 g, the cup is heavy enough to convey stability, yet remains easy for children's hands to manage.

Motif and symbolism

The boy kitten differs from its counterpart for girls in the way the motif is designed: drawn more playfully and directly, with an expression that suggests curiosity and movement rather than a delicate image. It is therefore well-suited to a boy who is discovering the world with zest.

Occasions and target groups

As a christening gift or a first birthday present, this cup accompanies a child first as a drinking vessel and later as a keepsake. For godparents and grandparents looking for a character-strong rather than a sugary-decorative motif for a boy, the kitten is a great choice. Those who prefer a gender-neutral motif will find an alternative in the owl cup, which shares identical size, material, and technique.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Upon review, a personal engraving is possible: a name, a date, a short sentence. An engraved children's cup thus becomes a piece that carries its own story and sets itself apart from other christening gifts. If desired, the cup can also be combined with a SilberVerse card: individually designed in the 15 x 10 cm landscape photo format, available upon request.

Care

Clean the cup with warm water and a mild detergent; a soft cloth is sufficient. Aggressive cleaning agents and the dishwasher are not suitable. A light tarnish layer can be easily removed with a silver polishing cloth; the niello itself does not change in color or depth.

Frequently asked questions

What distinguishes the boy kitten from the girl kitten?
The motif is designed differently: the boy kitten is drawn more playfully and directly, with an expression that emphasizes curiosity and movement, whereas the girl kitten appears more delicate and calm. Both cups are identical in size, material, and technique.

What is niello, and why is the motif permanent?
Niello is a black inlay that is melted into the engraved lines, ground flush, and polished – like ink in silver. It then sits flush with the silver surface, firmly bonded to the metal. It cannot detach, chip, or fade.

What distinguishes 925 silver from silver-plated children's tableware?
Silver-plated children's tableware consists of a base metal with a thin layer of silver that wears off over time. 925 sterling silver is solid; the entire piece consists of the same precious metal through and through.

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