Teacup Porcelain 925 Silver Gold Plated Niello | Astra Classic | 130ml

Astra Classic teacup – Where porcelain meets Russian silver craftsmanship

The Astra Classic teacup is a unique symbiosis of two worlds: the finest porcelain for perfect tea enjoyment and a handcrafted 925 sterling silver frame with niello inlay for timeless elegance. This combination is no accident, but the result of centuries of Russian craftsmanship. The porcelain retains the heat and preserves the flavor of the tea, while the matte silver frame with its black niello ornamentation is a feast for the eyes. The gilded handle and base complete the design, making each cup a small work of art.

In the time-honored SevChern manufactory, which has perfected the art of niello for over a century, each silver fitting is meticulously handcrafted. The porcelain is precisely fitted into the fitting, creating a harmonious whole. With a capacity of 130 ml, the cup is perfectly sized for a classic tea ceremony – not too large, not too small, just right for mindful enjoyment.

Porcelain and silver – the perfect combination for tea enjoyment

Why porcelain inside and silver outside? Russian silversmithing answered this question centuries ago: porcelain is the ideal material for tea. It is tasteless, heat-resistant, and retains heat longer than glass or metal. At the same time, porcelain allows you to see the color of the tea – an important aspect of the tea ceremony. The silver casing protects the delicate porcelain from breakage, gives the cup an elegant appearance, and tells a story through its niello ornamentation.

The upper part of the porcelain is textured with vertical grooves, which are not only aesthetically pleasing but also increase the surface area, thus controlling heat transfer. The lower part of the porcelain is smooth and fits perfectly into the matte silver setting. This setting embraces the porcelain like a protective hand and features a hand-engraved floral band in black niello – the same floral pattern as the Astra Classic teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer.

The Niello Flower Ribbon – Hand-engraved art on silver

The silver rim of the teacup features a delicate floral band in black niello that encircles the entire cup. This band is not printed or stamped, but hand-engraved – each flower, each leaf a unique work of art. The niello material is inlaid into the engravings, heated, and polished until a velvety black contrast emerges, giving the flowers a three-dimensional appearance.

The connection between the matte silver and the black niello ornaments is completed by the gilded rim, which is designed in a wave-like pattern and elegantly embraces the porcelain. This wave shape is no accident – ​​it echoes the organic forms of the flowers and creates a harmonious transition between silver and porcelain. The gilded handle is classically curved and shaped to fit perfectly in the hand, preventing the fingers from coming into contact with the hot porcelain.

Gilded handle and base – Functional elegance

The teacup handle is fully gilded and classically curved – a shape that has proven its worth over generations. It is neither too large nor too small, neither too far from the body nor too close. This precision in design is the result of centuries of experience and demonstrates that the SevChern manufactory understands not only art but also ergonomics. The handle is shaped so that the cup sits balanced in the hand and the weight is evenly distributed.

The base is also fully gilded and bears the original manufacturer's hallmark – a certificate of authenticity confirming that it is made of 925 sterling silver. The base is not only decorative but also functional: it protects the table surface from heat and scratches and provides the cup with a stable base. The gilding prevents the silver from tarnishing due to moisture or tea residue – a practical detail that demonstrates the thoughtful design of this cup.

Why is a teacup with a silver frame so valuable?

The value of this teacup lies not only in the material, but in the combination of tradition, craftsmanship, and function. While simple porcelain cups are produced in minutes, the Astra Classic undergoes a process that takes weeks. The porcelain is specially crafted for this setting, the silver fitting is individually engraved, finished with niello, and gilded. The porcelain is then precisely fitted and secured – a process that can only be performed by experienced artisans.

The SevChern manufactory has been crafting silver rims for porcelain cups for over 100 years, and older pieces already fetch prices at auctions far exceeding their material value. The combination of porcelain (practical) and silver (artistic) is particularly rare: only a few manufacturers worldwide master both techniques to this degree. This makes each teacup unique, its value increasing with age. Added to this is its everyday practicality: the porcelain is dishwasher-safe, and the silver rim can be cleaned separately – a cup that is both beautiful and practical.

The Astra Classic teacup in detail

• Material: Porcelain (insert), 925 sterling silver (setting) with gold plating and niello inlays
• Silver surface: Matt/satin finish (no high-gloss polish)
• Ornaments: Hand-engraved floral band in black niello around the frame
• Gilding: handle, base and wavy rim (transition between porcelain and silver)
• Porcelain: White, with vertical grooves in the upper area, smooth in the lower area
• Dimensions: Diameter 82 mm × Width 92 mm × Height 67 mm
• Capacity: 130 ml (ideal for a cup of tea)
• Weight of silver part: 56 grams (solid 925 silver)
• Origin: Russia, SevChern factory
• Special features: Delicate handwork, niello hand engraving, interchangeable porcelain insert, over 100 years of manufacturing tradition
• Hallmark/Stamp: Original hallmark on the base (certificate of authenticity)
• Included: Teacup with porcelain insert, high-quality gift box
• Engraving service: Personalization available upon request (on the base)

For whom is the Astra Classic teacup the perfect gift?

This teacup is a gift for those who don't just drink tea, but celebrate it. It's perfect for tea lovers who appreciate quality, collectors of Russian silverware, and anyone who understands that true elegance lies in the details. The cup is the perfect complement to the Astra Classic teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer – together they form a harmonious tea service set that brings Russian tradition to any table.

As a wedding gift, the teacup symbolizes the promise of shared moments – from the first cup of tea in the morning to the evening ritual for two. The flowers in the niello pattern represent growth and permanence, while the combination of porcelain and silver symbolizes a partnership that unites the best of both worlds. As an anniversary gift, it honors the enduring nature of a love that, like the silver itself, only grows in value with age.

For collectors, the Astra Classic teacup is a must-have: it represents Russian craftsmanship at its finest and demonstrates how two materials can harmonize perfectly. Anyone who acquires a teacup from the SevChern manufactory today owns not just a functional object, but a work of art that will last for generations.

The teacup as part of the Astra tea service set

The Astra Classic teacup is part of the comprehensive Astra collection and harmonizes perfectly with the teapot, sugar bowl, creamer, and all other pieces in the series. All the silver pieces feature the same floral niello pattern with gold-plated accents, creating a cohesive and harmonious look. Whether as a standalone piece or as part of a complete tea service set, the teacup integrates seamlessly into the Astra world.

Recommended set for 2 people: Teapot + sugar bowl + creamer + 2 teacups + 2 saucers + 2 teaspoons = 9-piece tea ceremony set. For 6 people, we recommend: Teapot + sugar bowl + creamer + 6 teacups + 6 saucers = 15-piece complete tea service. All pieces are perfectly coordinated and together tell the story of Russian silversmithing.

Care and use – How to keep your teacup pristine

The Astra Classic teacup is designed for special occasions – not for everyday use in the dishwasher, but for moments when tea is celebrated. While the porcelain is dishwasher-safe, we recommend handwashing the entire cup to protect the silver rim. After use, rinse the cup with warm water (with mild dish soap if needed) and dry with a soft cloth.

The matte silver frame can be cleaned with a special silver polishing cloth – never use harsh cleaning agents, scouring cream, or abrasive sponges. The niello inlays and gilding are sensitive to mechanical stress. The porcelain is heat-resistant and can be safely filled with hot tea – the gilded handle protects your fingers from the heat.

A particular advantage: Should the porcelain ever break (which rarely happens with careful handling), the insert can be replaced while preserving the valuable silver setting. Please contact us if you need a replacement insert – the SevChern manufactory makes them to order.

Frequently asked questions about the Astra Classic teacup

Why porcelain inside and silver outside?

This combination unites the best of both worlds: porcelain is tasteless, heat-resistant, and retains heat longer than metal. It also allows you to see the color of the tea – an important aspect of the tea ceremony. The silver rim protects the delicate porcelain from breakage, gives the cup an elegant look, and tells a story through its niello ornamentation. This design is typical of Russian tea culture and has been crafted in this way for centuries.

Does the teacup match the Astra Classic teapot and sugar bowl?

Yes, absolutely! The teacup features the same floral niello pattern on its silver rim as the Astra Classic teapot, sugar bowl, and creamer. All the silver pieces are crafted from 925 sterling silver with a matte finish and gold-plated accents, creating a perfectly coordinated look. They are part of the comprehensive Astra collection, which includes over 70 pieces – from tea sets to flatware. All the pieces fit together seamlessly and can be mixed and matched as desired.

Can the porcelain go in the dishwasher?

Yes, the porcelain is dishwasher safe. However, we recommend handwashing the entire cup to protect the silver rim with its niello inlays and gilding. The matte silver surface is sensitive to harsh detergents and the mechanical stress of the dishwasher. With careful handwashing, the cup will remain pristine for decades – a small effort for a work of art that will last for generations.

What happens if the porcelain breaks?

Should the porcelain break (which is rare with careful handling), the insert can be replaced while preserving the valuable silver fitting. The SevChern manufactory produces custom replacement inserts. Please contact us if you need a replacement – ​​we will arrange a new porcelain insert that fits your silver fitting perfectly. This is a significant advantage over cups made entirely of porcelain, which must be completely replaced if broken.

Can I have the teacup personalized?

Yes, personalization is available upon request. The engraving is done on the gold-plated base of the silver setting and is discreetly placed so as not to detract from the floral design. Due to the handcrafted niello inlays, engraving should only be done by professionals. Please contact us, and we can discuss the possibilities for a custom engraving – names, dates, or short dedications are all possible.

Why is the teacup with a silver frame so valuable?

The value lies in the combination of three factors: First, the niello art on the silver frame – only a few manufacturers worldwide still master this technique at this level. Second, the perfect union of porcelain and silver – both materials must be precisely matched, requiring years of experience. Third, the SevChern manufactory – for over 100 years, it has been crafting silver frames, older pieces of which fetch prices at auctions far exceeding their material value. The teacup is not merely a utilitarian object, but a work of art that will last for generations.

How many teacups do I need for a complete set?

It depends on your needs. For a tea ceremony set for two people, we recommend two teacups and two saucers. For a complete tea service for six people, we recommend six teacups and six saucers. Many collectors start with two cups and expand their set over the years—the Astra collection is timeless, and new pieces can be seamlessly added at any time. All cups are identically crafted and fit together perfectly.

Can I give the teacup as a gift?

Yes, the teacup comes in a high-quality gift box, ready for immediate gifting. The box protects the cup during transport and features an elegant design. Upon request, we can discreetly package the gift and send it directly to the recipient. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to include a personal greeting card – we're happy to help make your gift truly memorable.

A gift that creates memories

The Astra Classic teacup is not for people who drink tea from paper cups. It is for those who understand that tea is more than a beverage – it is a ritual, a moment of peace, a conversation that takes time. Every time this cup is held, it tells the story of an art that has almost been lost in our fast-paced world.

She tells of Russian silversmiths who patiently and precisely engraved flowers in silver. Of niello masters who, with the devotion of monks, inlaid black ornaments into gleaming silver. Of porcelain manufacturers who crafted inserts that fit into silver settings with millimeter precision. And of you – the person who now holds this cup and becomes part of its story.

The matte silver frame feels warm to the touch. The porcelain keeps the tea at the perfect temperature. The niello ornaments speak of nature and tradition. The gilded handle sits comfortably in the hand. And in the stillness of a tea ceremony, this cup becomes what it is meant to be: a companion for unforgettable moments.

Product details at a glance

Silver Verse – Memories that last

Memories fade. Photos yellow. But a teacup made of porcelain and 925 sterling silver endures. It is passed down from generation to generation, and with every cup of tea drunk from it, its story grows. The niello floral band will eventually become a symbol of the grandmother who always served jasmine tea. The combination of porcelain and silver becomes a reminder of afternoons spent together. The gilded handle becomes a tactile reminder of warmth and comfort.

The Astra Classic teacup is not an object – it is a legacy. For people who want to not only see beauty, but feel it. For unforgettable moments. For memories that last.