Podstakannik Facts for Kids

A metal holder for a glass, often shiny like this one.

A podstakannik (say "pod-sta-KAN-nik") is a special holder for a drinking glass. It usually has a handle and is made of metal. The word "podstakannik" means "thing under the glass" in Russian.

Its main job is to help you hold a very hot glass of tea without burning your hands. It also makes the glass more stable so it doesn't tip over easily. Drinking tea with a podstakannik is a long-standing tradition in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other Slavic countries.

See how the glass fits perfectly inside the holder.

Some podstakanniks are fancy, like this one with a gold-like finish.

History of the Podstakannik
How Podstakanniks Are Made
See also

History of the Podstakannik

When They First Appeared

Podstakanniks became part of Russian tea culture in the late 1700s. This was when drinking tea became very popular across Russia. People quickly realized these holders were not just useful, but also beautiful.

From Useful to Art

Just like samovars (special urns for boiling water), podstakanniks became works of art. Rich families would have expensive ones made from silver. However, silver ones got hot very fast because silver conducts heat well. This made them less practical for holding hot tea.

Why They Became So Popular

By the 1900s, podstakanniks were used by many people. They were especially helpful on trains. Tea was often served in moving train cars, which could shake a lot. A glass without a holder was more likely to fall over. This could spill hot tea and burn people.

Podstakanniks on Russian Trains

Because they made drinking tea safer on bumpy rides, Russian railroads still use podstakanniks a lot. You can often see them in sleeper carriages, where people travel long distances.

How Podstakanniks Are Made

Materials Used

In the past, especially in the Soviet Union, podstakanniks were made from special metal mixes. These included nickel silver and cupronickel. They were often coated with nickel, silver, or even gold to make them look shiny and fancy.

Where They Are Made Today

Today, most Russians use regular teacups or mugs at home. However, podstakanniks are still widely used on the Russian Railways. They offer extra safety when carrying or drinking tea on a moving train.

Most of these tea glass holders are made by a factory in Kolchugino, a town in Russia. This factory, now called Kolchug-Mizar, is still the main producer of podstakanniks.

Designs and Art

Many podstakanniks have cool designs on them. These designs can show famous buildings, important people, or big historical events. They often tell stories about Russian and Soviet history.

Podstakanniks Around the World

You might sometimes see similar tea glass holders in other countries, like in tea houses in the West. But these are usually much simpler. They might be made from bent wire or plastic, not as fancy as the ones from Russia.