Pair of Silver Cups “Tsar Saltan” – Pushkin Series, 925 Silver Gold-Plated Inside with Niello

A barrel on the sea, an island, a swan and a tsar’s son who turns into a bumblebee: the tale of Tsar Saltan is Pushkin’s adventure story for long evenings. This pair of cups in 925 silver, gold-plated inside, captures two pictures from it. It is a gift for everyone who tells stories at the table, whether hosts, couples celebrating an anniversary or collectors.

Waves, knights and a swan fight

The first cup lets knights in armour rise from the waves, while above on the town wall a couple looks down at them. On the second, swan and bird of prey fight in the air, and above them an archer takes aim. The waves are cut by hand, with sweeping lines, the feathers drawn one by one; on the back the cartouche sits between leaf tendrils.

From the barrel to the tsar’s throne

Three sisters spin and dream of the tsar; the youngest promises him a hero as a son and becomes tsarina. Envy sets mother and son Gvidon in a barrel on the sea. On an island the boy grows up, rescues a swan from a bird of prey and receives in return a town and knights from the waves. Anyone who knows the “Flight of the Bumblebee” has a piece of the tale in their ear: Rimsky-Korsakov made an opera of it. On spoon, fork and knife it is told by the silver cutlery for Tsar Saltan.

Contrast that grows with time

The pictures work because light and dark meet sharply: polished silver surface beside deep black niello drawing, and with every polish the contrast gains. Behind it stands the niello art of Veliky Ustyug, documented there since 1683; how the graver is guided is described by an article in our series. In 1937 the Artel Severnaya Chern of the time won gold in Paris, for tableware with tale motifs by Pushkin. This series is a new, independent line of the manufactory.

Gifts with narrative material

A wedding couple receives two cups to toast with. As a VIP gift among business partners it impresses with origin and story, for an anniversary or milestone birthday it tells of sea and tsar’s court. Collectors place it beside the cutlery of the same story; anyone who needs six place settings will find the case with 24 pieces.

Answers about the pair of cups Tsar Saltan

Which is a well-known Russian tale?
The one about Tsar Saltan is among them, thanks also to Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera. The series can be found together under Pushkin’s Tales in Niello Silver.

How do I recognise genuine sterling silver?
By the number 925: it stands for 925 parts silver per 1,000 parts metal, and all pieces are hallmarked.

Can I drink wine or vodka from it?
Yes. The cups are gold-plated inside and meant for water, wine or vodka, just as well for toasting at the table.

How do I keep the silver beautiful?
Rinse by hand only, never in the dishwasher, dry immediately. Aluminium foil or baking soda stay off limits, they attack the niello. The guide to the niello technique says what helps.

Is there a personal dedication?
Yes. The engraving service can be ordered along with it; what should go on the cups, you enter as a wish in the “order note at checkout”. With SevChern we then clarify where and how that works. If the engraving is not feasible, we refund the flat fee to you. For a dedication without engraving there is a SilberVerse that fits the occasion and name, free on request.