Teaglass Holder Set Hunter at Rest 925 Silver in Case — 3-piece after Perov

Three hunters in a clearing, a story told in a circle: The “Hunters at Rest” tea glass holder set features Vasily Perov’s famous 1871 painting in sculptural high relief on a 925 sterling silver podstakannik. The scene runs all the way around like a frieze—as you turn the glass, you read the composition like a story. The set also includes a cut crystal glass and a classic “Prestige” teaspoon with an initial panel for engraving, all presented in a premium case lined with velvet.

At a glance

• Set contents: podstakannik + crystal glass + “Prestige” teaspoon – 3 pieces
• Holder and spoon material: 925 sterling silver, solid cast
• Total silver weight: approx. 274 g (holder approx. 234 g, spoon approx. 40 g)
• Set weight including case: approx. 976 g
• Holder dimensions: diameter approx. 65 mm, height approx. 95 mm
• Spoon dimensions: approx. 148 × 30 × 10 mm
• Crystal glass: approx. 250 ml, height approx. 110 mm, outer diameter approx. 65 mm
• Case dimensions: approx. 132 × 132 × 165 mm, velvet-lined
• Finish: sculptural high relief, antique patina (surface darkening, not niello)

Material and craftsmanship

The podstakannik is cast in 925 sterling silver, meaning it is 92.5% pure silver—solid, not plated. The Perov scene runs all the way around the holder in sculptural high relief: the older hunter gesturing expansively as he tells his tale, the skeptical middle-aged hunter, and the young hunter listening intently—each figure modeled individually, along with the clearing’s vegetation and the game on the ground. The relief’s recessed areas have an antique patina, a surface darkening that enhances the contrast between raised and recessed areas and gives the scene a three-dimensional appearance. This patina is not niello—niello is a fused paste of sulfur and silver, the signature technique of the SevChern manufactory. This is a surface coating that does not wear off with everyday use. The handle features classic acanthus ornamentation for a secure grip. The accompanying “Prestige” teaspoon is styled like classic table silver: a rocaille cartouche framed with acanthus at the end of the handle, a blank oval initial panel in the center, fine acanthus accents along the handle, and a classic teardrop-shaped bowl. The spoon also has an antique patina in the recessed areas of the cartouche. The set additionally includes a cut crystal glass with a classic vertical facet pattern that sparkles in the podstakannik when it catches the light and illuminates the high-relief scene from within. The glass pattern may vary slightly in detail from the photograph.

Use and occasions

The podstakannik is part of the Russian tea tradition: a thin-walled glass is placed in the metal holder with its insulating handle, making it safe to hold when filled with hot tea. This design became especially well known through Russian railways, where tea is still served in podstakanniki today. In sterling silver with an elaborate relief, the podstakannik is both classic table silver and an expression of cultural literacy—anyone who recognizes the Perov motif will see it as part of the Russian cultural canon, comparable to Spitzweg’s “The Poor Poet” in German culture. The set makes a fitting gift for hunters interested in art history, forestry professionals and hunting club members, Russia and Slavic studies enthusiasts, as well as collectors of table silver with a story to tell. It is also well suited as a retirement gift for someone in hunting or forestry, an heirloom gift, or a culturally meaningful business gift. Discover more coordinating pieces in our 925 Silver Tableware Collection.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

The oval panel in the teaspoon’s cartouche is designed for engraving, and the base of the glass holder offers a second engraving area. Options include a classic monogram, initials with a date, or the name of a hunting estate for a hunting-related occasion. Add the flat-rate engraving service directly to your cart; we’ll then coordinate the font, depth, and placement with you. If you would like both the spoon and holder engraved, a separate flat fee generally applies to each piece. On request, we’ll include a 15 × 10 cm SilberVerse card, digitally designed in our studio with a personal message, free of charge.

Care

925 sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time with everyday use—a natural reaction to sulfur compounds in the air. On the podstakannik, this means the reflective raised surfaces become slightly duller, while the patina deepens in the recessed areas of the relief, making the Perov scene stand out even more vividly. The raised surfaces can be refreshed at any time with a soft silver polishing cloth, without disturbing the recessed areas. Clean the holder and spoon by hand with warm water and mild dish soap—no dishwasher or abrasive sponges. The crystal glass is more durable: wash it separately and dry with a soft cloth. Store the set in the included case, ideally with anti-tarnish strips.

Frequently asked questions

What does Perov’s painting depict?
In 1871, Vasily Perov painted “Hunters at Rest,” a scene of three hunters in a clearing after a hunt. The oldest tells an obviously exaggerated story with expansive gestures, the middle-aged hunter skeptically scratches his head, and the youngest hangs on the storyteller’s every word. The painting is considered a classic of Russian realism and is housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow.

Is the darkening on the holder niello?
No. The podstakannik features sculptural high relief with a surface patina in the recessed areas—a different technique from niello, which involves fusing a sulfur-silver paste. This niello technique is characteristic of the SevChern manufactory.

How much does the set weigh, and what is included in the silver weight?
The set weighs approx. 976 g including the case. The silver weighs approx. 274 g in total, comprising the holder (approx. 234 g) and spoon (approx. 40 g). The crystal glass is not included in the silver weight.

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