Children's mug "Kater" 120ml - 925 silver niello decoration

If you look closely, you’ll see it: He’s wearing a bow tie. The cat on this cup is dressed up, holding a flower, and smiling. This is no coincidence, but a deliberate choice by the workshop that has been crafting this cup for generations. You aren’t just gifting a simple drinking vessel – you are gifting a small character to accompany a child as they grow up.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver with niello inlay
• Volume: 120 ml
• Diameter: Ø 55 mm
• Weight: approx. 110 g
• Handle: child-appropriate proportions, flat-oval
• Base: ring-shaped, stable
• Motif: cat figure (front), Khokhloma arabesques (back)
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug
• Engraving: possible after inspection

Material and Craftsmanship

The black design on this cup is not created with paint or lacquer. Niello is a sulfur-silver alloy that is melted into engraved lines and permanently bonded to the metal – a technique that has existed for over 3,000 years. SevChern in Veliky Ustyug has carried on this tradition since the 17th century, with around 15 work steps per piece. On the front, the cat stands upright in a patterned shirt with a bow tie, holding a flower. On the back, floral Khokhloma arabesques unfold, representing one of Russia's oldest decorative folk arts. Over time, polishing deepens the contrasts – the cup becomes more beautiful with the years, not older.

Occasions and Target Audience

In Russian folk culture, the cat is a symbol of prosperity and the joy of life – a motif that emphasizes happiness rather than demanding solemnity. For godparents who are not looking for a sacred symbol, but a figure with character, this cup is a special choice.

With a volume of 120 ml, the cup is suitable for a child's first attempts at drinking from about six months of age and will accompany them throughout their toddler years – as a gift for a birth, a christening, or a first birthday, when the child begins to discover the figure and can name the cat.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

The cup can be engraved upon review – with a name, a date, or a dedication. Please feel free to get in touch with us; we will clarify the details with you directly, including the exact placement. Upon request, we will also include a personalized SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) – individually designed to suit the occasion and free of charge.

Care

Clean the outer surface with a soft silver polishing cloth – do not scrub the niello areas, just polish them gently. Rinse the inside with lukewarm water; do not place in the dishwasher. If not using for an extended period, wrap in a soft cloth to slow the natural oxidation of the silver.

Frequently Asked Questions

For what age is the cup suitable?
With 120 ml, it is suitable for first drinking attempts from about six months and remains child-appropriate for use until school age – as a drinking cup, a toothbrush holder, or later as a display piece.

What does the cat motif mean?
In Russian folk culture, the cat stands for prosperity and the joy of life. Unlike the other animal motifs in the series, it is not merely a decoration, but an independent character with clothing, gestures, and expression.

Can the cup be engraved?
Yes, upon review. Contact us and we will discuss the placement and text with you based on the cup.

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