Coffee cup porcelain silver | Firebird | Handmade luxury

Porcelain Coffee Cup with Silver Enamel Holder — Firebird Motif, Imperial Porcelain & Russkiye Samotsvety

Two manufacturers from St. Petersburg, one object: The porcelain cup comes from Imperial Porcelain — founded in 1744, Russia's oldest porcelain manufacturer. The holder is from Russkiye Samotsvety — founded in 1912, a specialist in enamel filigree and electroforming in silver. Both parts feature the Firebird motif. Together, they create a coffee cup that commands attention on the table or in a display cabinet.

The Firebird — Motif from Slavic Mythology

The Firebird (Zhar-Ptitsa, Russian: Жар-птица) is a figure from Slavic lore: a bird whose plumage glows like flames, living in a distant land, and whose capture brings both blessings and trials to its finder. It symbolizes transformation, renewal, and beauty — qualities reflected in the handcrafted enamel of the holder: green, gold, yellow, built in layers, applied by hand.

The motif connects both components: The porcelain cup features the Firebird image on its surface, and the holder continues it in enamel and relief. No sticker, no print — the image is in the materials themselves.

Imperial Porcelain — the Cup since 1744

The Imperial Porcelain Factory in St. Petersburg was founded in 1744 on the Neva River — by order of Empress Elizabeth. It is Russia's oldest porcelain factory and stands for what defines European luxury porcelain: thin walls, precise shapes, handcrafted painting. At the bottom of the cup, you will find the factory stamp — a mark of quality that has remained unchanged for almost three centuries.

Russkiye Samotsvety — the Holder made of Silver & Enamel

The cup holder is the centerpiece of the craftsmanship. Russkiye Samotsvety, founded in St. Petersburg in 1912, produces this holder in three steps:

• Electroforming — Silver is built up on a wax model in an electroplating bath. The wax is removed, leaving a three-dimensional silver object with a detailed surface, lighter than cast silver.
• Enamel Filigree Technique — Fine twisted silver wires form the relief pattern. Along these contours, enamel is applied by hand and painted with glaze colors. Each piece is individual — the hand of the craftsman determines the result.
• Gilding — A wafer-thin layer of gold (micrometer range) is applied: for shine, for protection, for the warm tone of the accents.

The result: approx. 48 g holder, of which approx. 24 g silver and approx. 32 g copper as supporting structure. Total weight with cup approx. 98 g.

As a Gift — for Whom and When

• Milestone Birthday — for a woman who has everything: an object with a rich origin
• Mother's Day — for those who take tea or coffee rituals seriously
• Anniversary — as a personal gift with history and heritage
• Collectors — enamel filigree from St. Petersburg, two factory stamps: a documented piece
• Christmas — in gift packaging, ready to present immediately

SilberVerse Card

Upon request, we include a personalized SilberVerse card in 10×15 cm format — with a personal text from the giver, tailored to the occasion and recipient. Currently free of charge. Simply specify your request in the order field.

Care

• Hand wash — warm water, mild dish soap; no dishwasher
• No silver dip — enamel inlays and gilding would be damaged
• Porcelain — wash normally, no abrasive cleaners
• Storage — in the gift packaging or separately on a soft surface

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Firebird on the cup symbolize?
The Firebird (Zhar-Ptitsa) is a figure from Slavic mythology — a fiery glowing bird that brings blessings and trials and stands for transformation and renewal. It is the main motif of Russkiye Samotsvety's collection and visually connects the cup and holder.

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes — the porcelain and silver holder are functional. For daily use, we recommend hand washing and no silver dip. Many buyers use the cup daily as well as a display piece.

What is the difference between the porcelain cup and the holder?
The porcelain cup (42 g, H 5.5 cm) is from Imperial Porcelain and features the Firebird motif as porcelain painting. The holder (48 g, Russkiye Samotsvety) encases the cup and is made of 925 silver, copper, enamel, and gold using the electroforming-enamel-filigree technique. Both parts are delivered together.

Are there other motifs in this series?
Russkiye Samotsvety produces various motifs using this technique. In our shop, you will find other coffee and tea cups made of 925 silver with different enamel motifs.

Further gift ideas:

• Coffee & Tea Cups made of 925 Silver
• Luxury Gifts made of 925 Silver
• Collector's Items made of Silver & Enamel
• Birthday Gifts made of 925 Silver