Coffee cup porcelain silver | lilac | handmade luxury

When two manufacturers from St. Petersburg collaborate on a single object, the result is more than just a cup. The "Lilac" coffee and tea cup combines fine porcelain with a holder made of 925 sterling silver, copper, gold, and colored enamel – a two-piece ensemble that captures the lilac bush in pink and green on a shimmering background, lending a touch of elegance to every coffee or tea.

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: 7 cm
• Porcelain cup: Height 5.5 cm, diameter 4 cm (bottom) / 5.5 cm (top)
• Cup holder: Height 5.5 cm, diameter 4.5 cm (bottom) / 5 cm (top)
• Colors: Gold, Green, Purple
• Motif: Lilac

The Lilac – Motif and Meaning

The lilac blooms for only a few weeks in spring, but all the more intensely – its panicles have always represented first love, youth, and new beginnings after winter. In many families, its scent evokes memories of a particular house or garden. On this cup, it appears as a delicate pink against a deep petrol green, with gilded outlines tracing each flower umbel. A motif that is not loud, but connects to something familiar – suitable for a gift that aims to express closeness without uttering it.

Material and Craftsmanship

The inner porcelain cup comes from Imperial Porcelain in St. Petersburg, one of Russia's most traditional porcelain manufacturers. It bears the manufacturer's stamp on the bottom as a mark of quality. The holder that encloses the cup is created at Russkiye Samotsvety through several manual steps: During electroforming, silver is built up in an electrolytic bath on a wax model; after the wax is removed, a three-dimensional but pleasantly lightweight silver object remains. In the enamel filigree technique, finest twisted silver wires form the relief pattern, along which the enamel color is applied by hand – thus, the lilac motif is created layer by layer, not as a print. A final, wafer-thin gilding provides shine and additional protection. Because each enamel surface is colored by hand, each piece differs in small nuances from the next.

Use and Occasions

The "Lilac" cup is intended for daily coffee or tea as well as for special occasions: as a birthday gift, for Mother's Day, for a wedding, or as a token of appreciation for someone who values objects with history. Its two-part construction – porcelain inside, silver enamel outside – makes it a piece that can be both used and displayed in a showcase. For collectors, the combination of two historical St. Petersburg manufacturers on one object is an additional allure.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Engraving is not possible on the delicate enamel holder, as the surface is entirely covered with a relief pattern and color. As a personal touch, we offer a customized SilberVerse card, size 15 × 10 cm, upon request – with a message suitable for the occasion and recipient, currently free of charge. Please indicate your request in the order field.

Care

Clean the cup and holder exclusively by hand with warm water and a mild dish soap – no dishwasher. Avoid silver dipping baths, as these could damage the enamel inlays and gilding. 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 lilac motif on the cup mean?
The lilac symbolizes spring, first love, and new beginnings. Russkiye Samotsvety has crafted the motif using the enamel filigree technique – pink and green, applied layer by layer by hand and finished with gilded outlines.

Is the cup suitable for daily use?
Yes, both the porcelain and the silver holder are designed for functionality. For everyday use, we recommend hand washing and avoiding a silver dipping bath to preserve the enamel and gilding for a long time.

Which manufacturers are behind this set?
The porcelain cup comes from Imperial Porcelain, St. Petersburg, and the silver-enamel holder from Russkiye Samotsvety, also St. Petersburg. Both parts bear their respective manufacturer's stamps.

You might also be interested in

If you like the interplay of porcelain and silver enamel, you'll find other coffee and tea cups with different motifs in our selection of Table Silver & Silverware. For more gift ideas, check out our Gift Ideas in 925 Sterling Silver.