Coffee cup porcelain silver | Firebird | Handmade luxury

There are motifs that originate from a narrative that can only be understood once you know it. The Firebird is one such motif—a figure from Slavic mythology whose plumage glows like flames. Russkiye Samotsvety has captured it in gold and green on the silver enamel holder of this coffee cup, while the porcelain cup from Imperial Porcelain provides a quiet, bright contrast on the inside.

At a glance

• Material: Porcelain, 925 sterling silver, copper, gold, enamel
• Total weight: approx. 98 g
• Porcelain cup: approx. 42 g
• Cup holder: approx. 48 g (of which approx. 24 g is silver, approx. 32 g is copper)
• Total height: approx. 7 cm
• Porcelain cup: height 5.5 cm, diameter 4–5.5 cm
• Cup holder: height 5.5 cm, diameter 4.5–5 cm
• Colors: Gold, green, yellow
• Motif: Firebird (Zhar-Ptitsa)

The Firebird — motif and meaning

The Firebird, or Zhar-Ptitsa in Russian, is a figure from Slavic folklore: a bird whose plumage glows like flames, living in a distant land, and whose capture brings both blessing and trial to the finder. It represents transformation, renewal, and beauty—qualities reflected in the hand-applied enamel of the holder: yellow, orange, and gold, built up layer by layer against a deep green background. On the porcelain cup, the Firebird appears as a painting, while on the holder it appears as a three-dimensional enamel relief—two materials, one continuous image.

Material and craftsmanship

The porcelain cup comes from Imperial Porcelain in St. Petersburg and bears the manufacturer’s stamp on the bottom as proof of quality. The holder is created by Russkiye Samotsvety in several steps: using electroforming, silver is built up on a wax model in a galvanic bath; after removing the wax, a three-dimensional yet lightweight silver object remains. In the enamel filigree technique, the finest twisted silver wires form the relief pattern, along which the enamel color is applied by hand—making each piece differ slightly from the next. A wafer-thin gold plating rounds off the surface, providing luster and protecting against abrasion.

Usage and occasions

This cup is suitable for daily coffee or tea as well as for special occasions: as a gift for a milestone birthday, Mother's Day, an anniversary, or for people who value the origin and craftsmanship of an object more than a well-known brand name. For collectors, the combination of the enamel filigree technique and two manufacturer stamps—porcelain and silver—makes the piece a small document of Russian art history. Gift-wrapped, it is ready to be presented for Christmas or other holidays.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving is not possible on the enamel holder, as the surface is entirely covered with color and relief. As a personal touch, we instead offer a custom-designed SilberVerse card (15 × 10 cm) upon request—with a message tailored to the occasion and the recipient, free of charge. Please indicate your request in the order field.

Care

Clean the cup and holder exclusively by hand with warm water and a mild detergent—no dishwasher. You should avoid silver dip baths, as these could damage the enamel inlays and the gold plating. The porcelain can withstand normal hand washing, but no abrasive cleaning agents. It is best to store the set in its gift box or separately on a soft surface.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Firebird on the cup represent?
The Firebird (Zhar-Ptitsa) is a figure from Slavic mythology—a flaming, glowing bird that symbolizes transformation and renewal. It is the central motif of this collection from Russkiye Samotsvety and visually connects the porcelain cup and the silver holder.

What is the difference between the porcelain cup and the holder?
The porcelain cup (approx. 42 g, height 5.5 cm) is from Imperial Porcelain and features the motif as a porcelain painting. The holder (approx. 48 g) encloses the cup and is crafted from 925 silver, copper, enamel, and gold using the electro-enamel filigree technique. Both parts are delivered together.

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes, the porcelain and silver holder are intended for functional use. For daily use, we recommend hand washing and avoiding silver dip baths.

You might also be interested in

Further coffee and tea cups made of porcelain and silver enamel with various motifs can be found in our selection of tableware & silver accessories. If you are looking for more gift ideas, you will find what you need in our gift ideas made of 925 sterling silver.