I want to make teas from different counties in 2023. One of the countries is Russia. I did some research and found that they drink their tea in these glass glasses that have these beautiful holders. The holders are called, podstakanniks.
I went on Etsy and found podstakanniks. I was excited to support the people of Ukraine and buy from a super nice Ukrainian man. Guldi Muldi from Kyiv, Ukraine
Everything came packed really nicely. These were the glass holders, podstakannik- I got the glasses from Goodwill. These glass holders range from $4 to $6. I bought a variety from him.
Podstakannik- metal goblets that are elaborately decorated. They hold 8.5 oz glasses.
This style of glass holder dated back to the 18th century. It is thought they were invited by Sergey Witte- the Russian Empire's Transport Minister in 1892.
In the 18th century, only women could drink from a porcelain cup. Men had to use glasses. The glasses were hot and thin, so podstakannik's were developed. The bases were not very wide. So, it is thought that Witte redesigned the podstakannik's for the train travel.
During the 1950's-1970’s there were 15 factories across Russia that produced podstakannik's. They were made of tin, aluminum, stainless steel, or the most prestigious were the nickel/silver.
Podstakannik- translates to "thing under the glass". It would keep the glass steady while drinking and protects the hands from the hot surface. It was great for drinking tea on a train.
Podstakannik's are still in used in sleeper train carriages.
How beautiful and delicate are these?
I am super excited to have this tea party! I have a friend who lived in Russia for awhile, so I have been asking her tea questions too.
I have been having fun reading and researching tea in Russia.
They are all so beautiful. I can not wait to make some Russian tea, Zavarka. I bought some Russian Caravan Tea...more about that in a later blog.
Great for hot and cold tea.
The seller sent these old post cards too, which was nice.
These are my goodwill glasses that were .50. The first two on the left, are actual Russians tea glasses I found on line, but they were too expensive to buy more.
Russian glasses are called, Stakan.
But, my .50 glasses fit nicely in the cup holder too I think. The glasses I bought are a little smaller at the bottom, but it doesn't seem to matter.
My sister got me this tea pot for Christmas. It is a double tea pot like they would use in Russia to make the tea, Samovar.
