Coffee cup made of porcelain and 925 silver Niello 50 ml

White porcelain and 925 sterling silver with niello decoration — two materials that could hardly be more different, and that is exactly why they go so well together. This coffee cup follows the podstakannik principle, which has been rooted in Russian tea tradition for centuries, giving the porcelain body its distinctive shape with a silver holder, base, and handle.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver (holder, base, band, handle) and white porcelain (insert)
• Dimensions: approx. D 84.5 × W 105.5 × H 78 mm
• Volume: approx. 50 ml
• Weight: approx. 77 g
• Construction: Podstakannik principle, removable porcelain insert
• Decoration technique: Niello on silver band
• Motif: floral pattern with central blossom
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Engraving: possible upon inspection

Material and craftsmanship

Podstakannik literally means "that which stands under the glass" — referring to a holder for hot drinks that has been common in Russia since the 18th century. In this cup, the silver holder performs exactly this function for the white porcelain insert: the porcelain neutrally preserves the flavor of the drink, while the silver holder provides the visual accent. The insert can be removed for cleaning. The surrounding silver band bears the cup's decorative center: a central blossom surrounded by leaves and fine lines, engraved in silver and filled with niello. Niello is a blackening alloy that is created by melting it into engraved recesses, where it adheres permanently to the metal — no peeling, no fading. SevChern crafts these in Veliky Ustyug, a city in Northern Russia known for its niello art for over three centuries; the workshops there received a gold medal at the 1937 Paris World Exhibition for a technique that comprises six precise steps: engraving, preparation of the niello mass, melting, controlled cooling, grinding, and final polishing.

Use and occasions

With a capacity of approx. 50 ml, this cup is ideal for a double espresso. The construction of a porcelain insert and silver holder is not a compromise, but a conscious decision for the best of both materials — a silver cup and porcelain in one. As a gift, it has substance: suitable for a wedding, an anniversary, as a birthday present for someone with sophisticated taste, or as an extraordinary Christmas gift. The combination of white, silver luster, and deep black catches the eye without being intrusive.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

after inspection, an engraving on the silver holder is possible. For a particularly personal gesture, we are happy to include a SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm landscape format, free of charge and individually inscribed — it complements the cup as a personal dedication in the format of a genuine silver dedication card.

Care

Clean the silver holder by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap; do not use a dishwasher. The porcelain insert can be removed separately and cleaned normally — one of the practical advantages of the podstakannik principle. Treat the silver with a soft silver polishing cloth if necessary and store in a dry place to minimize tarnishing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I clean the porcelain insert separately?
Yes. The porcelain insert can be removed from the silver holder and rinsed separately — this is one of the practical advantages of the podstakannik principle.

What is niello, and how does it differ from enamel?
Niello is a blackening alloy that is melted into silver recesses. The result is deep black, matte, and permanent. Enamel, by contrast, is a colored glass paste that is glossy and multicolored. Niello appears more archaic and mineral, enamel more vibrant and colorful.

Is this cup suitable for espresso?
With a capacity of approx. 50 ml, it is ideal for a double espresso. Those looking for something slightly larger will also find 60 ml and 105 ml versions in our range.

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