Coffee cup porcelain silver | hummingbird | handmade luxury

Some birds seem as if they never learned to stand still. The hummingbird is one of them – and it is precisely this shimmer of movement and color that Russkiye Samotsvety has brought to the silver-enamel holder of this coffee cup. Fine porcelain by Imperial Porcelain on the inside, a relief image of green and gold on the outside: two manufactories from St. Petersburg, one shared object.

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
• Motif: Hummingbird

The hummingbird — motif and meaning

The hummingbird is one of the smallest birds in the world and at the same time one of the most striking: depending on how the light hits it, its plumage shimmers between green and gold, and its wings move so quickly that they are barely perceptible. It stands for lightness, energy, and the joy of the moment – qualities reflected in the enamel holder of this cup. Green surfaces, golden contours, a relief pattern that seems to come alive in the light. The motif connects both parts of the cup: the porcelain surface bears the hummingbird as a painted color accent, while the holder continues it three-dimensionally in enamel.

Material and craftsmanship

The porcelain cup is made by Imperial Porcelain in St. Petersburg – thin wall thickness, precise shape, recognizable on the bottom by the manufactory stamp. The holder is created by Russkiye Samotsvety in three steps: during electroforming, silver is built up in a galvanic bath onto a wax model, which is subsequently removed – leaving behind a three-dimensional yet lightweight silver object. In the enamel filigree technique, the finest twisted silver wires form the relief pattern, along which the color is applied by hand and painted with glaze; no two examples are exactly alike. An ultra-thin gold plating in the micrometer range completes the process, providing luster and additional protection.

Use and occasions

This cup is suitable for coffee or tea that is meant to be savored consciously, just as it is for the gift table: for Mother's Day, an anniversary, a milestone birthday, or as a gift for someone who prefers objects with heritage and history over any random brand-name product. For collectors, the combination of enamel filigree and two manufactory stamps – porcelain and silver – makes this a piece with provenance. During the Christmas season, it can be presented directly from its gift packaging.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Engraving is not possible on the enamel holder, as the surface is entirely designed with color and a relief pattern. As a personal addition, we can include an individually designed SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm format upon request – with a personal text tailored to the occasion and the recipient, free of charge. Simply specify your request in the order field.

Care

Clean the cup and holder by hand with warm water and mild detergent; do not use a dishwasher. A silver dip bath is unsuitable, as it would attack the enamel inlays and gold plating. The porcelain can withstand normal cleaning, but no abrasive agents. Store the set in the gift packaging or separately on a soft surface.

Frequently asked questions

What does the hummingbird on the cup symbolize?
The hummingbird stands for lightness, energy, and the joy of the moment. Russkiye Samotsvety has executed the motif using the enamel filigree technique – green and gold, built up in layers and hand-painted.

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

Is the cup available with other motifs?
Yes. Russkiye Samotsvety creates various motifs using the same enamel filigree technique, including the Firebird. Further variants can be found in our Tableware & Silverware category.

You might also be interested in

Additional coffee and tea cups made of porcelain and silver enamel with various motifs can be found in our selection of Tableware & Silverware. For more gift inspiration, it is worth taking a look at our Gift ideas in 925 sterling silver.