Venetian Antique Silverplate Massive Tea & Coffee Service on Tray, circa 1700

The Podstakannik (Russian: подстака́нник, literally "thing under the glass"), or tea glass holder, is a holder with a handle, made of silver plate that holds a drinking glass (stakan). Their primary purpose is to be able to hold a very hot glass of tea, which is usually consumed right after it is brewed. The stability of the glass on the table is also significantly improved. It is a traditional way of serving and drinking tea in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic states. History Podstakanniks appeared in Russian tea culture in the late 18th century, when drinking tea became common in Russia. Very soon they became not just practical utensils, but also works of art, just like samovars that were used for boiling water. Expensive podstakanniks 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. By the 20th century, podstakanniks became very widespread. They were found extremely useful on railroads, as tea was served in moving carriages that were shaking. A bare glass was more likely to fall, scalding people with hot tea. The Russian railroads still use the podstakannik extensively in sleeper carriages. Production In the Soviet Union they were made mostly from nickel silver, cupronickel, and other alloys with nickel, silver, or gold plating. Though in modern times, simple tea cups or mugs are typically used by Russians at home, podstakanniks continue to be widely used for serving tea on the Russian Railways, since they provide more safety while drinking or carrying tea on a moving train. Most Russian tea glass holders...

19th century collection of antique Arabian tea pots market "Papillon" in thick brass, hand embossed, and copper High respectively cm: 22, 20, 18.

Vintage Russian Samovar Electric Kettle. Silver-plated brass, working, produced in 1965. Voltage 220 V

1930-1940s Art Deco Murano glass set, Venini attributable, golden decorations Carlo Scarpa style. We can sell the pieces separatly Measures in cm: Bottle with cap diameter 9, height...

This antique tea set was made by and unknown maker, but the set and the tray originate from England and date to approximately 1850 and done in the peri...

Beautiful 19th Century Victorian antique silver plated tea and coffee service including a coffee pot, tea pot, cream jug and sugar bowl. Lovely engraved decoration. Good antique cond...

A gorgeous antique Victorian silverplate tea or coffee service set, including: tea pots, sugar, creamer, and large service tray. By Tiffany & Co. USA, Late 19th Century Measuremen...

20th century Spanish silver Rococo style tea and coffee service, Spanish, 20th century Kettle on stand: Height 44cm, width 23cm, depth 16cm Milk jug: Height 12cm, width 13cm, depth 9cm Comprising of a solid silver tray, teapot, coffee pot, sugar bowl, milk jug, strainer, and large kettle...