You found a real piece of treasure... A charming, collectible set with old-world sparkle, a tsarist-era Russian porcelain coffee set by Kuznetsov, Dulevo (1880–1889) that:
includes 6 cups with saucers, plus 1 bonus spare saucer
has hand-painted design, including genuine gold ornamentation
has classic look with real gold gilding from the period
is in the excellent antique condition
has age-appropriate tiny quirks: the spare saucer has a microchip; one cup has an underside chip (that is hidden in use)
Care: to preserve the real gold gilding, apply soft hand-washing techniques only. In other words, treat it gently and it will keep shining for another century.
Fun historical coffee drinking facts!
Strong coffee for nobility: By the 18th century, coffee was a luxury among the Russian aristocracy, who preferred a very strong brew. Historical accounts note that Tsarina Catherine II's coffee was so concentrated that it was nearly lethal to a servant.
Boiling coffee: Unlike modern drip brewing, coffee during 1880-1917 was often prepared by boiling the grounds directly in water, sometimes with sugar and spices. This method produced a strong, concentrated drink.
Not an espresso: The Italian espresso machine was not invented until the early 20th century, and espresso culture did not take hold in Russia until much later. These Kuznetsov cups' similarity to modern espresso cups is purely coincidental, a product of parallel evolution based on brewing method rather than direct influence.
