Teacup 925 Silver Niello — Silver Cup, Floral Motif, 300 ml

A cup that stands alone — no saucer underneath, no tea infuser on top. This 925 sterling silver teacup is part of SevChern's Kraft collection: a large-scale niello floral motif with sunflowers and tendrils in the center, polished silver at the top and bottom, a capacity of 300 ml, and a weight that feels distinctly different from any ceramic cup in your hand.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, highly polished, niello
• Niello motif: large-scale floral motif — sunflowers, blossoms, tendrils
• Collection: Kraft (SevChern)
• Capacity: 300 ml
• Height: 100 mm
• Width with handle: 120 mm
• Diameter: 85 mm
• Weight: 217 g
• Shape: Trumpet shape with base, loop handle
• Manufacturer: SevChern, Veliky Ustyug, Northern Russia
• Hallmark: present
• Engraving: available upon request
• Gift box: included

Material and workmanship

The floral motif of the Kraft collection is the most distinctive feature of this cup: sunflowers in full bloom, curved tendrils, smaller individual blossoms, densely composed and without empty spaces. The band sits in the middle of the wall, framed by two thin niello lines. Niello is not an applied layer, but a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into finely engraved depressions and permanently bonded to the silver base. Every blossom and every tendril was hand-engraved, not a millimeter is accidental — the motif does not fade or wear off. Anyone who looks at this cup from a meter away immediately recognizes the motif: this is the difference between a large-scale and a small-scale niello pattern. SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, Vologda Oblast, has been producing niello silver since 1683 — a tradition with a geographically protected designation of origin, comparable to Champagne from the Champagne region. In 1937, it received a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. This cup goes through six production stages, from shaping the silver blank to the final polishing and hallmarking, certified by the Russian Federal Assay Chamber.

Use and occasions

The trumpet shape with the small flared base is one of the most characteristic forms of Russian silversmithing. At 100 mm high and 85 mm in diameter, this cup has a substantial presence in the hand, and at 217 grams, it feels significantly heavier than a ceramic cup of the same size. 300 ml is the classic size for a full tea infusion. The solid silver wall dissipates heat evenly, and the side loop handle makes the cup easy to handle even with hot contents. As a single item, it is a complete gift — those who drink from it daily do not need a saucer or spoon. Those looking for the complete ritual will find it in the 4-piece tea set with the same cup, supplemented by a saucer, tea infuser with lid, and teaspoon in the same floral motif. For a wedding, anniversary, or birthday, a single silver cup is a gift with its own statement: not a set that is too much, but exactly the one piece that is intended.

Engraving and SilverVerse Card

Personal engraving is possible upon request — on the bottom of the cup or in a less ornamented area. This turns the cup into a piece that accompanies a specific person at a specific moment. Upon request, we can include a SilverVerse card in photo format 15 × 10 cm landscape, currently free of charge and individually designed.

Care

The only rule: hand wash only with lukewarm water and mild detergent. No dishwasher, no silver dip, no ultrasonic cleaner — these methods attack the niello inlay. The floral motif is permanently fused and does not fade. For the polished silver surfaces, a soft silver polishing cloth is sufficient. Store dry, ideally in the accompanying gift box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this really a silver mug or a teacup?
Both. In German silversmithing tradition, the term "Silberbecher" (silver mug) is the usual designation for silver drinking vessels with handles, regardless of whether they are used as tea, coffee, or general beverage cups. This cup has a handle, holds 300 ml, and is suitable for all hot beverages.

What is niello, and why does the motif remain permanent?
Niello is a black metal alloy of silver, copper, lead, and sulfur, which is melted into engraved depressions and permanently bonded with the silver. Not a lacquer, no paint, no print — part of the metal itself. The motif does not fade or wear off.

What distinguishes this cup from silver-plated tableware?
Silver-plated tableware has a silver layer on another base metal, which wears off over time. This cup is made of solid 925 sterling silver — the wall thickness, base, and handle are entirely silver. It can be polished, repaired, and passed down without losing a coating. The hallmark officially confirms the composition.

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