Tea strainer with lid 925 silver Niello Kraft

At first glance, it looks more like a small silver box than a tea infuser: a curved, blossom-shaped curve, a matching lid with a ring finial on top, floral-black niello ornaments on the rim and lid. Only when you remove the lid does the finely perforated infuser basket appear below. The lid itself has a second function: turned upside down, it serves as a small drip tray for the infuser after brewing. Made by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug.

At a Glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, niello — without gold plating
• Design: floral niello ornaments on rim and lid
• Dimensions: approx. Ø 96 mm × height 70 mm
• Weight: approx. 160 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: 925 fineness, manufacturer's mark, Russian state hallmark
• Scope of delivery: Tea infuser with lid, gift box

Material and Workmanship

The infuser basket is made of 925 sterling silver, with a wide, curved, blossom-shaped rim. Both the rim of the basket and the matching lid feature a floral niello ornament, hand-engraved—dense tendrils and blossoms whose depressions are filled with the dark niello alloy. The center of the lid remains deliberately smooth and polished, allowing the contrast between the bright silver and the black ornament on the rim to come into its own. A ring finial for lifting sits on top of the lid. The infuser base is evenly perforated, large enough for a strong tea flow, and fine enough for finer tea leaves.

The lid itself serves two purposes. When placed on top, it seals the infuser during brewing, so that the tea cools down more slowly and brews more evenly. After brewing, it can be turned over and used as a small drip tray: the infuser rests on it, while the last drops are collected instead of landing on the edge of the plate or the tablecloth.

Niello Hand Engraving from Veliky Ustyug

Veliky Ustyug in the Vologda region has been considered the center of Russian niello art since its first written mention in 1683. SevChern continues this Veliky Ustyug tradition — the manufactory itself was founded as an artel in 1933 and awarded a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937. The ornaments on this tea infuser are hand-engraved before the niello mass is fired. Each piece bears the manufactory mark of the executing artist.

Use and Occasions

With a diameter of approx. 96 mm, the Kraft infuser rests securely on standard teapots and also fits large teacups or Russian-style glasses. The height of 70 mm provides enough space for large-leaf teas such as Darjeeling or Russian black tea. This set is an ideal gift for tea lovers who understand tea as a ritual — for Mother's Day, for a wedding as an addition to a silver tea set, for an anniversary or as a lasting Christmas gift. It is also suitable as a housewarming gift.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

An engraving is possible on the infuser rim or lid rim upon request — initials, a date, or a short dedication. Please inquire before ordering so that the appropriate area can be determined together. Upon request, we can also include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm landscape, individually designed and suitable for the occasion. Currently free of charge. Simply specify your wishes in the order field.

Care

Wash by hand with warm water and mild dish soap — no dishwasher, as silver reacts to dishwasher tabs and heat by tarnishing. The infuser basket can be quickly freed from tea leaf residue with a soft brush. Do not use a silver dip, as this can damage the niello inlays. Polish with a soft silver cloth, which enhances the contrast between the bright silver and the dark niello. Store dry and protected from light in the gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tea infuser dishwasher safe?

No. Silver reacts to dishwasher tabs and heat by tarnishing and dulling. Hand washing with warm water and mild dish soap is sufficient.

Does the infuser with Ø 96 mm fit my teapot?

Standard teapots have openings between 60 and 90 mm — the Kraft infuser with an outer diameter of 96 mm rests securely on top without immersing. For very narrow teapot openings, please measure beforehand.

What is the purpose of the ring finial on the lid?

The ring allows the lid to be conveniently lifted with two fingers without touching the polished surface with your fingers.

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