This exquisite antique kiddush cup is a fine example of late Imperial Russian silver craftsmanship. The cup features a tapered, beaker-like form with a slightly flared rim and a stable flat base. The exterior is intricately hand-engraved with a combination of architectural and floral motifs: stylized buildings resembling towers or cityscapes (possibly evoking Eastern European or Jerusalem-inspired structures common in Judaica), framed by zigzag borders and dotted chain-like patterns, alongside elegant leaf and feather-like floral elements for added decorative depth. The engravings show skilled chasing and etching techniques, with shaded hatching for texture and dimension. The interior retains its original gold gilding, which provides a luxurious contrast to the silver exterior and helps prevent tarnishing from acidic liquids like wine. The cup's design reflects the Art Nouveau influences emerging in the late 1890s, blending traditional motifs with subtle modernism.

Hallmarks:

• Side: Oval kokoshnik mark containing "84" (purity), a woman's head (kokoshnik) facing left, and assayer initials "AA" (for Anatoliy Apollonovich Artsybashev, Vilnius assay master). Adjacent rectangular maker's mark with Cyrillic letters (appears as "ПР" or similar, possibly indicating an unidentified Vilnius silversmith).

• Bottom: Repeating rectangular maker's mark with Cyrillic letters and a circular variant of the kokoshnik mark featuring the woman's head and "AA" initials.

This piece is a rare survivor from the Vilnius assay office, which operated under Russian Imperial control but had distinct marking variations, including smaller numerals in early kokoshnik stamps.

Material

• 84 Zolotnik silver (equivalent to 875/1000 fineness, or .875 pure silver)

• Interior gilded with gold wash for a warm, contrasting finish

• Weight: 28 grams

Origin

• Russian Empire, specifically assayed in Vilnius (Vilno in Russian context, now Vilnius, Lithuania), which was part of the Imperial Russian assay system during the late 19th century.

• Hallmarked under the kokoshnik system, introduced in 1896 by Tsar Nicholas II to standardize silver marking across the empire.

Age

• Late 19th century, precisely dated to 1898-1899 based on the rare early kokoshnik hallmark variant used in Vilnius during this brief period.

• This mark was only in use for about a year and a half, making it uncommon compared to later Moscow or St. Petersburg examples.

Condition

• Very good antique condition with age-appropriate patina and minor surface wear, including light scratches and subtle tarnish that enhance its vintage character without detracting from its appeal.

• No major dents, repairs, or structural issues; engravings remain crisp and detailed.

• Gilding on the interior is intact with minimal fading.

• Overall, well-preserved for an item over 125 years old, suitable for display, collection, or careful ritual use.

Item dimensions: 2" tall × 1.75" top diameter x 1.25" base diameter 

Weight of item: 28 g