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

The Astra Classic teacup combines two materials that have long complemented each other in Russian tea culture: fine porcelain for a pure tea taste and a matte 925 silver setting with niello ornamentation and gilded accents for aesthetic appeal. The porcelain imparts no flavor of its own, while the silver setting protects the delicate material and features a hand-engraved floral band that encircles the cup. With a 130 ml capacity, it is perfectly sized for a mindful cup of tea.

At a glance

• Material: Porcelain (insert), 925 sterling silver (setting) with gold plating and niello inlays
• Silver finish: matte/satin
• Ornaments: hand-engraved floral band in niello black, encircling
• Gold plating: handle, base, and wavy rim at the transition between porcelain and silver
• Porcelain: white, with vertical ridges at the top and smooth at the bottom
• Dimensions: approx. D82 × W92 × H67 mm
• Capacity: approx. 130 ml
• Weight of silver part: approx. 56 g
• Origin: Russia, SevChern
• Scope of delivery: teacup with porcelain insert, gift case
• Engraving service: upon request, on the base

Material and craftsmanship

Why porcelain inside and silver outside? Porcelain is flavor-neutral and heat-resistant — at the same time, it allows the color of the tea to be seen, which plays a role in the tea ceremony. The silver setting protects the delicate porcelain from breakage and carries the primary design element: a delicate, hand-engraved floral band in niello black that wraps around the cup. The niello compound is inlaid into the engraving, fired, and polished until a velvet-black contrast is achieved. A gilded, wavy rim finishes the transition between the porcelain and the silver setting — the wave form echoes the organic design language of the flowers. The handle and base are also gilded; the handle is classically curved and shaped so that fingers do not come into contact with the hot porcelain while drinking.

Usage and occasions

This teacup is part of the Astra collection and harmonizes with the teapot, sugar bowl, and milk jug of the same line — all silver parts feature the same floral niello pattern with gilded accents. With 130 ml, it is intended for a mindful tea moment, not for a rushed coffee in between. As a gift, it is suitable for people who do not drink tea on the side, but celebrate it: for a wedding, as an anniversary gift, or for tea lovers who value the combination of material and craftsmanship. As a single piece, it can be expanded at any time with other parts of the Astra collection.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

Personalization is possible after review — the engraving is placed on the gilded base of the silver setting and is discreetly positioned so that the floral design remains untouched. Please let us know your engraving request when ordering. Upon request, we can also include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (15 × 10 cm) — individually designed, tailored to the occasion, and free of charge.

Care

The porcelain is dishwasher safe; however, we recommend hand washing the entire cup to protect the matte silver setting with its niello inlays and gold plating. After use, rinse with warm water, use mild dish soap if necessary, and dry with a soft cloth. A special silver polishing cloth is suitable for the silver setting — do not use aggressive cleaning agents or scouring cream, as these can attack the niello inlays and gold plating. If the porcelain insert should ever be damaged, it can be replaced if necessary while the silver setting remains intact — please feel free to contact us about this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why porcelain inside and silver outside?
Porcelain is flavor-neutral, heat-resistant, and displays the color of the tea. The silver setting protects the porcelain from breakage and carries the decorative niello ornament — a combination with a long tradition in Russian tea culture.

Does the teacup match other pieces in the Astra collection?
Yes. It features the same floral niello pattern as the teapot, sugar bowl, and milk jug of the Astra line and can be combined with these pieces.

Can I put the cup in the dishwasher?
The porcelain is dishwasher safe, but for the silver setting with niello inlays and gold plating, we recommend consistent hand washing to maintain shine and contrast.

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Further items for a festively set table can be found under Tableware & Silverware. For the right gift idea, also take a look at our Gift Ideas.