Product Overview
The podstakannik (Russian: подстаканник, literally “thing under the glass”), or tea glass holder, is a holder with a handle, most commonly made of metal that holds a drinking glass. The primary purpose of podstakanniki (the plural of podstakannik) is to be able to hold a very hot glass of tea, which is usually consumed right after it is brewed. It is a traditional way of serving and drinking tea in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other post-Soviet states.
Podstakanniki appeared in Russian tea culture in the late 18th century, when drinking tea became common in Russia. Very soon podstakanniki became not just practical utensils, but also works of art, just like samovars that were used for boiling water. Expensive podstakanniki for the rich and the elite were made of silver, however they were not very practical, since they would get quite hot very quickly due to the high thermal conductivity of silver.
Price is for one glassholder only. The glass shown in this picture is crystal and is an additional $12.00 (it must be purchased separately)
