Piala cup 925 silver gold-plated SAKURA 140 ml

What happens when a Japanese motif is translated into Russian niello art? This piala answers the question with 130 grams of solid silver in your hand. The cherry blossom motif of the SAKURA collection runs as a deep black niello band with birds on flowering branches around the gold-plated silver wall — crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, where this technique has been cultivated since 1683. Two traditions, one piece: Japanese aesthetics meet Northern Russian silversmithing.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, partially gold-plated, with niello
• Collection: SAKURA, cherry blossom motif
• Capacity: 140 ml
• Diameter: 94 mm
• Height: 45 mm
• Weight: 130 g
• Shape: Piala, handleless, conical
• Niello motif: Cherry blossoms, birds and tendrils, hand-engraved
• Purity: 925 sterling silver
• Engraving: Possible upon review
• Gift box: Included

Material and craftsmanship

This piala is made of solid 925 sterling silver; the entire wall thickness consists of the silver alloy. The gilding is applied partially — on the inside and outside of the wall as a warm background for the niello motif. The cherry blossom motif of the SAKURA collection was engraved into the silver by hand: cherry blossom branches with birds, every line individually etched, every depression filled with black niello, fused, sanded flush, and polished — like ink in silver. The result is insolubly bonded with the metal, not a paint, print, or foil. On the gold-plated silver, the deep black niello appears particularly high-contrast — the warm gold of the background makes the blossoms and birds stand out visually. The piece comes from SevChern in Veliky Ustyug and is hallmarked.

Usage and occasions

A piala is a handleless drinking vessel from Central Asian and Russian tea culture, related to the Chinese tea bowl and the Japanese chawan. One holds it with both hands — a form of conscious, slower drinking. 140 ml is the classic piala size: enough for a good serving of tea, whether black, green, or herbal, and also suitable for a small espresso or lungo. In Japan, the cherry blossom motif represents spring, transient beauty, and new beginnings, making this piala a fitting gift for a wedding. It is equally suitable for a silver wedding anniversary, an anniversary, or a milestone birthday for tea lovers, collectors of Russian silver art, and anyone who appreciates the Sakura motif.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

An engraving with a date or initials is possible after checking — the flat fee for the engraving service belongs in your cart right away. We will clarify the position and execution together with you after your order; if no engraving is possible, we will refund the flat fee. In addition, we offer a SilberVerse card in a 15 × 10 cm landscape photo format — digitally customized, tailored to the occasion, and free of charge. Please provide your request for this in the order field.

Care

Clean the piala exclusively by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. No dishwasher, no ultrasonic cleaner, no silver dip bath — these methods attack the gilding and niello inlay. For the gold-plated silver surfaces, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient, which also corrects light tarnishing. Store the piala in a dry place, ideally in the included gift box, as silver tarnishes faster in humid air.

Frequently asked questions

What is a piala — and why does it have no handle?
A piala is a handleless drinking vessel from Central Asian and Russian tea culture. One holds it with both hands — a more conscious, slower way of drinking than with a handled mug.

What exactly does the SAKURA motif show?
Cherry blossom branches with birds, engraved by hand into the silver and filled with black niello. Sakura is Japanese for cherry blossom and stands for spring, transient beauty, and new beginnings.

Is the piala suitable for daily use?
Yes — the piala is made for both warm and cold drinks. The only important thing is hand washing, no dishwasher, so that the gilding remains intact for decades.

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Discover more tableware made of 925 silver or find other pieces for special occasions in our silver gift ideas.