Coffee cup made of porcelain & 925 silver Niello 50 ml

This coffee cup combines two materials that could hardly be more different – and that's precisely why they go so well together: white porcelain and 925 sterling silver with niello decoration. The Podstakannik principle, rooted in Russian tea tradition for centuries, gives this silver espresso cup its distinctive shape.

The white porcelain body sits in an elegantly crafted silver holder with a base, silver band, and handle. The floral niello pattern on the silver band adds depth and contrast – a noble interplay of white, shimmering silver, and deep black.

Podstakannik: The Russian Art of the Tea Drinking Frame

Podstakannik literally means "that which stands under the glass" — referring to a holder for hot beverages, widespread in Russia since the 18th century. In this silver espresso cup, the silver holder performs this function for a porcelain body. The advantage: The porcelain neutrally absorbs the taste of the beverage, while the silver holder makes the aesthetic statement. The porcelain insert is removable — which significantly simplifies cleaning.

This construction is not a compromise, but a conscious decision for the best of both materials. Silver cup and porcelain in one.

The Floral Niello Motif on the Silver Band

The continuous silver band is the decorative core of this cup. A floral pattern is engraved into the surface — a central blossom surrounded by leaves and fine lines. The niello mass fills every indentation with deep black contrast. The result is a clear, elegant pattern that fully unfolds its effect through the combination of bright silver and black niello.

Niello from Veliky Ustyug — Tradition Since 1683

SevChern manufactures in Veliky Ustyug, a city in Northern Russia known for its niello art for over three centuries. The workshops there received the gold medal at the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris — international recognition for a technique involving six precise steps.

Niello is created by melting a blackening alloy into engraved silver indentations: engraving, preparation of the niello mass, melting, controlled cooling, grinding, and final polishing. The result adheres permanently to the metal — no flaking, no fading.

As a Gift: Elegant Coffee Cup for Special People

A silver coffee cup of this design is a gift with substance. The combination of porcelain and 925 silver makes it a silver cup that stands out — without being obtrusive. Suitable as a coffee cup gift for weddings, anniversaries, as a birthday gift for someone with discerning taste, or as an extraordinary Christmas gift. The presentation in the gift box is ready to be given.

Engraving — Personal Touch Upon Request

Engraving on the silver holder is possible upon request. For a particularly personal gesture, we recommend the SilberVerse card (10 × 15 cm, currently free, custom-inscribed) — it complements the cup as a custom-inscribed dedication in the format of a genuine silver dedication card.

Care

Clean the silver holder by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap — no dishwasher. You can remove the porcelain insert separately and clean it normally. Treat silver with a soft silver polishing cloth if necessary. Store dry to minimize tarnishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 925 sterling silver real silver?
Yes. 925 means a purity of 92.5% silver. This is the international standard for silver flatware and jewelry — and the minimum we offer at SilberKosmos.

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 indentations. The result is deep black, matte, and permanent. Enamel is a colored glass mass — shiny and multi-colored. 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. If you prefer something larger, check out our 60 ml or 105 ml versions.

Discover more elegant cups and silver flatware:
→ Coffee & Tea Cups made of 925 Silver
→ Coffee & Tea Ware with Niello
→ Table Silver & Silverware