Tea strainer with lid 925 silver Niello Kraft

At first glance, it looks more like a small silver box than a tea strainer: a curved, blossom-shaped bowl, a matching lid with a ring handle on top, and floral black niello ornaments on the rim and lid. Only when you remove the lid do you see the finely perforated strainer basket underneath. The lid itself has a second function: turned upside down, it serves as a small drip tray for the strainer after brewing. Crafted by SevChern in Veliky Ust-Jug.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, niello — without gold plating
• Design: floral niello ornaments on the rim and lid
• Dimensions: approx. Ø 96 mm × height 70 mm
• Weight: approx. 160 g
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ust-Jug, Northern Russia
• Purity: 925 sterling silver
• Package contents: tea strainer with lid, gift box

Material and craftsmanship

The strainer basket is made of 925 sterling silver, with a wide, curved rim in the shape of a blossom. Both the rim of the basket and the matching lid feature a hand-engraved floral niello ornament — dense vines and blossoms, the recesses of which are filled with the dark niello alloy. The center of the lid is deliberately left smooth and polished, so that the contrast between the bright silver and the black ornament on the rim is fully showcased. On top of the lid is a ring handle for lifting. The strainer base is evenly perforated, large enough for a strong flow of tea, yet fine enough for smaller tea leaves.

The lid itself serves two purposes. When placed on top, it closes the strainer during brewing, so that the tea underneath cools down more slowly and steeps more evenly. After brewing, it can be turned upside down and used as a small drip tray: the strainer rests on it, while the last drops are caught instead of landing on the edge of the plate or the tablecloth.

Niello hand engraving from Veliky Ust-Jug

Veliky Ust-Jug in the Vologda region has been considered a center of Russian niello art since its first written mention in 1683. SevChern continues this Veliky Ust-Jug tradition — the manufactory itself was founded as an artel in 1933 and awarded a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1937. The ornaments on this tea strainer are engraved by hand before the niello mass is fired in. The tea strainer is hallmarked.

Use and occasions

With a diameter of approx. 96 mm, the Kraft strainer rests securely on standard teapots and also fits large tea cups or glasses in the Russian style. The height of 70 mm gives large-leaf teas such as Darjeeling or Russian black tea plenty of room. As a gift, this set is suitable for tea lovers who view tea as a ritual — for Mother's Day, for a wedding as an addition to a silver tea set, for an anniversary, or as a lasting Christmas gift. It is also suitable as a housewarming gift.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

After inspection, engraving is possible on the rim of the strainer or lid — initials, a date, or a short dedication. You can add the engraving service directly to your cart; after ordering, we will determine the suitable area together with you. If engraving is not possible, we will refund the flat fee. Upon request, we will also include a personal SilberVerse card in 15 × 10 cm landscape photo format, individually designed and matching the occasion. Free of charge. Simply specify your request in the order field.

Care

Rinse by hand with warm water and mild dish soap — no dishwasher, as silver reacts to dishwasher tablets and heat by tarnishing. The strainer basket can be quickly freed from tea leaf residue with a soft brush. No silver dip, as this can damage the niello inlays. Polish with a soft silver cloth, which enhances the contrast between the bright silver and the dark niello. Store dry and protected from light in the gift box.

Frequently asked questions

Is the tea strainer dishwasher-safe?

No. Silver reacts to dishwasher tablets and heat by tarnishing and becoming dull. Hand washing with warm water and mild dish soap is sufficient.

Does the strainer with Ø 96 mm fit my teapot?

Standard teapots have openings between 60 and 90 mm — the Kraft strainer with an outer diameter of 96 mm rests securely on top without dipping in. For very narrow teapot openings, please measure beforehand.

What is the ring handle on the lid for?

The ring allows you to lift the lid comfortably with two fingers without touching the polished surface with your fingers.

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