Imperial Russian 875 Silver Niello and Bright-Cut Kiddush Cup or Beaker
Hollowware (Beaker / Kiddush Cup) · Unknown Imperial Russian silversmith; characteristic of Moscow or Tula workshops. These items were often produced by highly skilled regional artisans in the late 19th century.
Pattern: Traditional Russian Folklife Pattern featuring bright-cut stippling and paneled floral motifs.
Type
Hollowware (Beaker / Kiddush Cup)
Maker
Unknown Imperial Russian silversmith; characteristic of Moscow or Tula workshops. These items were often produced by highly skilled regional artisans in the late 19th century.
Material
84 Zolotniki Silver (equivalent to .875 purity fine silver); solid silver throughout with no base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 7-9 cm (2.75-3.5 inches). Estimated weight: 50-80 grams. This is a standard individual drinking vessel size.
Description
A fine example of Russian silver hollowware, this beaker features elaborate bright-cut engraving where the tool creates faceted grooves that catch the light like diamonds. The body is divided into vertical lobes, a hallmark of mid-to-late 19th-century Eastern European design, often used for ritual Kiddush cups or secular spirit beakers.
Key Features
Stippled 'zigzag' engraving patterns; eight-lobed paneled construction; rounded foot transitioning into a flared lip; high-relief chasing.
Material & Composition
84 Zolotniki Silver (equivalent to .875 purity fine silver); solid silver throughout with no base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Bright-cut engraving, stippling, and vermicular patterns. Features a lobed or fluted body with recessed panels and a flared rim. The style is Traditional Russian/Neo-Byzantine.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not clearly visible in photo, but typically located on the base or near the rim. Expected marks would include '84', a city mark (e.g., St. George for Moscow), and an assayer's mark with a date.
Construction Details
Raised and hammered by hand from a single sheet of silver. The fluting (lobing) is achieved through hand-chasing. The rim is rolled for comfort and structural stability.
Functional Features
Single-wall construction for chilled or room-temperature liquids. Fluted panels provide an ergonomic grip. Wider rim allows for easy cleaning.
Handle & Grip Details
Handleless form; grip is facilitated by the vertical lobing and textured stippling on the mid-section of the vessel.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent hand-chased work. The symmetry of the fluting implies a master craftsman. The contrast between polished panels and textured engraving is intentional and well-executed.
Authentication Indicators
The irregular depth of the stippling points to hand-tooling rather than machine rolling. Solder points at the base/wall junction (if present) would show appropriate 'bloom'.
Origin & Manufacturing
Russia, likely Moscow or a provincial center specializing in niello and bright-cut work. Manufactured using traditional hand-wrought techniques common in Slavic workshops.
Era & Period
Late Imperial Russian Period (c. 1880-1917). The style reflects the nationalistic revival of traditional Russian arts during the reigns of Alexander III and Nicholas II.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910 based on the stippled engraving style and the specific tulip-like fluting of the base.
Cultural Significance
Such cups were often used in Jewish ritual (Kiddush) or as commemorative gifts for christenings or weddings in Russian society, symbolizing hospitality and heritage.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Minor surface scratches consistent with age. Slight tarnish in the crevices of the engraving which highlights the detail. No major dents or evidence of monogram removal visible.
Value Estimate
$250 - $450 USD. Value is driven by the '84' hallmark and the complexity of the hand-engraving; signed pieces by makers like Khlebnikov or Grachev would be higher.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream and a horsehair brush. Avoid machine polishing which can wear down the delicate stippled engraving. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with Middle Eastern silver which uses higher purity (.900+) but lacks the specific '84' hallmark and has different floral motifs (Isfahan style).
Interesting Facts
The '84' zolotnik standard was the most common for Russian silver and is prized today because it is slightly less pure than sterling, making the metal harder and better for holding intricate engraving.