Stemmed glass, 925 silver, niello, church Veliky Ustyug — gilded

Veliky Ustyug – a small town in northern Russia, where niello silver has been forged for over 340 years. The masters of the SevChern manufactory have engraved their hometown onto this chalice: a cathedral with onion domes and an Orthodox cross, surrounded by a golden halo. The motif is identically mirrored on both sides of the bowl – no matter how you turn the chalice, the church faces you. Dense floral niello ornamentation entwines around the medallion, and the foot bears a rhombus-leaf pattern. Warm fine gold gleams inside. A chalice that shows its origin – and does not hide it.

The Manufactory Engraves its Hometown onto Silver

What's special about this stem glass: it doesn't just show any motif, but the place where it was made. Veliky Ustyug is located at the confluence of the Sukhona and Yug rivers in the Vologda region, about 900 kilometers northeast of Moscow. Since the 17th century, the city has been one of Russia's three major niello centers, alongside Tula and Kubachi in the Caucasus. The cathedral on the chalice stands there – in a city not found on tourist maps, but which resonates in the world of Russian silversmithing like Meissen in the world of porcelain.

The SevChern Manufactory (Северная Чернь, "Northern Niello") has been working in this tradition for generations and is officially recognized as Russian folk art and craft. When a master from this manufactory engraves a church from his hometown onto a silver vessel, it is more than mere decoration – it is a signature. Every line is drawn into the silver by hand, the niello is melted in the flame by hand. The golden rays around the cathedral are executed in fine gold gilding and form a warm contrast to the deep black of the niello.

90 ml – A Chalice for a Special Sip

With a capacity of 90 ml, this stem glass is more compact than its big brother with the St. George motif (130 ml). The 90 ml is ideal for cognac, liqueur, balm, or a fine grappa – enough for a deliberate sip, not for thirst. The chalice shape with a slender baluster stem fits elegantly in the hand, and the weight of 150 grams gives the piece a pleasant heaviness that is felt with every lift. The internal gilding made of fine gold protects the silver from the acidity of the drink and does not impart any taste.

At a festive table, this chalice becomes a conversation starter. The cathedral on both sides, the golden rays, the niello ornament – guests will ask about it, and you'll tell the story of a small Russian town that has been refining silver for 340 years. This is table culture that extends beyond the rim of the glass.

For Whom This Chalice Is The Right Gift

Believers and those connected to the church: The cathedral with an Orthodox cross makes this chalice a gift with spiritual depth. For adult baptism, church anniversaries, confirmation, or as a personal item for someone to whom faith is important. The chalice shape itself resembles the liturgical chalice – in a secular, private form.

Anniversary and significant birthday: For a 50th, 60th, or 70th birthday – a chalice to be raised at a celebratory meal and then to find its place in a display cabinet. At €1,673.95, it's a gift that reflects the significance of the occasion.

Collectors of Russian silversmithing: Veliky Ustyug on the chalice, SevChern as the manufactory, niello hand engraving in 15 steps – for collectors, this is a piece with provenance and context. In combination with the St. George stem glass, a pair is created: a city and its patron saint.

Gift with a Russian soul: For friends and family with a connection to Russia, to Orthodox culture, or to Russian handicraft traditions. This chalice tells a story that does not need to be translated – the church, the gold, the niello speak a language of their own.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Veliky Ustyug Cathedral Stem Glass

Which church is depicted on the chalice?
A cathedral from Veliky Ustyug – the hometown of the SevChern Manufactory. The city has been one of Russia's three major niello centers since the 17th century and is known for its historic churches with onion domes.

Why is the motif identical on both sides?
The cathedral is symmetrically mirrored on both sides of the cup. This way, the motif looks identical from every direction – no matter how you hold the chalice or turn it on the table, the church is always visible.

Can one drink from the chalice?
Yes – 925 silver is food-safe, as is the fine gold gilding inside. 90 ml is ideal for cognac, liqueur or balm. After use, clean with warm water and mild dish soap, do not put in the dishwasher.

What distinguishes this stem glass from the St. George model?
Both come from SevChern's Heraldry Collection and share the same chalice shape with niello and gilding. The difference: the St. George model (130 ml, Ø 72.5 mm) depicts Moscow's patron saint. This model (90 ml, Ø 65 mm) shows a cathedral from Veliky Ustyug – the manufactory has immortalized its own hometown.

Is engraving possible?
Upon request – we will check if and where there is space. The cup is covered on both sides with niello ornament, but a personal engraving may be possible on the foot or at the base of the stem.