CUP, silver, Tsarskaya Russia Moscow 1847 Silversmith: Kovalsky Andrey Antonovich. In 1821, chief inspector, from 1856 senior assayer in Moscow. Silver quality/purity mark: 875/84 (84 zolotniks*) Weight - 45 grams., Height - 5.3см., Diameter - 4.7cm., In very satisfactory condition for 1847 https://nummi.ru/kleimo/probirnie-mastera/kleymo-probirnogo-mastera-moskvy-kovalskiy-andrey-antonovich-inicialy-a-k-1821-1856-gg./ It is known that the “blackening” technique when decorating silver items was widely used by craftsmen who lived in the Northern Black Sea region. This is evidenced by many archaeological finds in the form of silver items with niello. However, this type of engraving was especially popular in Rus' in the 10th century, starting its glorious path in the city of Chernigov. Masters of many Russian cities, such as Veliky Novgorod and Moscow, adopted the secrets of blackening metals from each other, improving in the art. The Renaissance contributed to the spread of this type of decoration beyond the territory of Rus'; weapons decorated with blackened ornaments were especially popular. In the 18th century, the masters of Veliky Ustyug took the palm in the art of blackening silver, forming an artistic center. Veliky Ustyug gained worldwide fame with the famous “northern niello”. Chern is an alloy of silver with copper, lead and sulfur. The powdered composition is rubbed into the grooves of the pattern engraved on the silver object. When fired, the niello is firmly fused with the silver surface, giving rise to a black graphic design. The people of Ustyug had their own secret composition. Northern niello differs from other similar centers in its particular strength and rich range - from ash-gray to deep black.