Coffee cup porcelain silver | Firebird | Handmade luxury

Some motifs come from a narrative that one only understands once familiar with it. The Firebird is such a motif – a figure from Slavic mythology whose plumage glows like flames. Russkiye Samotsvety has captured it in gold and green on the silver-enamel holder of this coffee cup, while the porcelain cup from Imperial Porcelain provides a quiet, bright contrast on the inside.

At a Glance

• Material: Porcelain, 925 Sterling Silver, Copper, Gold, Enamel
• Total Weight: approx. 98 g
• Porcelain Cup: approx. 42 g
• Cup Holder: approx. 48 g (of which approx. 24 g silver, approx. 32 g copper)
• Total Height: approx. 7 cm
• Porcelain Cup: Height 5.5 cm, Diameter 4–5.5 cm
• Cup Holder: Height 5.5 cm, Diameter 4.5–5 cm
• Colors: Gold, Green, Yellow
• Motif: Firebird (Zhar-Ptitsa)

The Firebird — Motif and Meaning

The Firebird, Zhar-Ptitsa in Russian, is a figure from Slavic tradition: a bird whose plumage glows like flames, living in a distant land, and whose capture brings both blessing and trial to the finder. It symbolizes transformation, renewal, and beauty – qualities reflected in the hand-applied enamel of the holder: yellow, orange, and gold, built up layer by layer against rich green. On the porcelain cup, the Firebird appears as a painting, on the holder as a three-dimensional enamel relief – two materials, one continuous image.

Material and Workmanship

The porcelain cup comes from Imperial Porcelain in St. Petersburg and bears the manufacturer's stamp on the bottom as proof of quality. The holder is created by Russkiye Samotsvety in several steps: During electroforming (galvanic molding), silver is built up on a wax model in an electroplating bath; after removing the wax, a three-dimensional but lightweight silver object remains. In the enamel filigree technique, the finest twisted silver wires form the relief pattern, along which the enamel color is applied by hand – each piece thus differs minimally from the next. A wafer-thin gold plating finishes the surface, providing shine and protecting against abrasion.

Use and Occasions

This cup is suitable for daily coffee or tea as well as for special occasions: as a gift for a milestone birthday, Mother's Day, an anniversary, or for people for whom the origin and craftsmanship of an object are more important than a well-known brand name. For collectors, the combination of enamel filigree technique and two manufacturer's stamps – porcelain and silver – makes the piece a small document of Russian art history. In its gift packaging, it can be presented directly for Christmas or other holidays.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

An engraving is not possible on the enamel holder, as the surface is completely covered with color and relief. As a personal touch, we instead offer, upon request, a custom-designed SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm format – with a message suitable for the occasion and recipient, currently free of charge. Please specify your request in the order field.

Care

Clean the cup and holder exclusively by hand with warm water and mild detergent – no dishwasher. You should avoid a silver dip, as it could damage the enamel inlays and the gold plating. The porcelain tolerates normal hand washing but no abrasive cleaning agents. It is best to store the set in its gift packaging or separately on a soft surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Firebird on the cup mean?
The Firebird (Zhar-Ptitsa) is a figure from Slavic mythology – a brightly flaming bird that symbolizes transformation and renewal. It is the central motif of this collection from Russkiye Samotsvety and visually connects the porcelain cup and silver holder.

What distinguishes the porcelain cup from the holder?
The porcelain cup (approx. 42 g, height 5.5 cm) comes from Imperial Porcelain and features the motif as porcelain painting. The holder (approx. 48 g) encloses the cup and is made of 925 silver, copper, enamel, and gold using the electro-enamel filigree technique. Both parts are delivered together.

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes, the porcelain and silver holder are designed to be functional. For daily use, we recommend hand washing and avoiding a silver dip.

You might also be interested in

You can find more coffee and tea cups made of porcelain and silver-enamel with different motifs in our selection of Tableware & Silverware. Those looking for more gift ideas will find them in our Gift Ideas in 925 Sterling Silver.