Tea glass holder “St. George the Victorious” made of 925 silver with tea glass

Podstakannik "St. George the Victorious" made of 925 Silver — Teaglass Holder with Motif

A teaglass holder made of 925 sterling silver is a statement in itself. This one is more: the entire outer wall of the holder shows the relief of St. George defeating the dragon — sculpturally crafted from the silver through blackening, deep and clear. You're not holding a kitchen item. You're holding a symbol that has stood for protection, courage, and the triumph of good over evil for centuries.

The Podstakannik — Russian for "that which stands under the glass" — is a piece of Russian tea culture that originated in the Tsarist era and has lost none of its significance to this day. As a gift for men, as a business present, as a collector's item for Russia enthusiasts: this holder from ArgentA, Russia, is one of the few objects that both tells a story and serves a purpose.

St. George the Dragon Slayer — why this motif has not been silent for 600 years

St. George is not a saint who has been forgotten. He is on the coat of arms of the city of Moscow — since the 15th century, uninterrupted to this day. He is the patron saint of Russia, England, and Georgia simultaneously. He appears on coins, in cathedrals, on flags. And he is on this teaglass holder.

The legend: A young officer from Cappadocia who, in the 3rd century AD, defeats a dragon and frees a people — before dying for his faith himself. The depiction has followed the same image since the Middle Ages: the rider on horseback, the lance pointed downwards, the dragon on the ground. It is the image of courage, determination, and protection. Not power for its own sake — but power in the service of something greater.

The Order of St. George, founded by Empress Catherine the Great in 1769, was the highest Russian military decoration. Whoever wore it had not only fought — they had done something decisive. The motif on this silver holder carries this story forward. It is not decoration. It is a statement.

The blackening — a dark surface treatment that is specifically worked into the depressions of the relief — makes the motif sculptural and sharp. The saint stands out from the silver. The horse, the dragon, the lance: all high-contrast, all legible, all telling a story. This is the strength of this technique — it gives the silver depth.

129 g Silver with Blackening — Dimensions, Material, Hallmark

The holder itself measures 95 mm in height and 72 mm in diameter. The weight of approx. 129 g — solid 925 sterling silver — feels noticeably heavy in the hand without appearing cumbersome. The handle is part of the construction: sturdily made, matched to the relief, functional for holding a hot glass.

The accompanying teaglass measures 100 mm in height, 65 mm in diameter, holds 200 ml, and features a classic diamond cut. The combination of elegant cut glass and high-contrast silver relief is no coincidence — it is intentional. The glass and the holder are coordinated, one making the other stronger.

Three hallmarks confirm authenticity: the 925 mark for the fineness, the manufacturer's mark of ArgentA, and the Russian state hallmark. Everything you need to identify and value the piece is legible on the object itself. ArgentA is a Russian silversmith manufacturer with a long tradition.

Important for collectors and connoisseurs: The outer wall of the holder is entirely covered with the St. George relief. There is no free space for an engraving — the motif itself is the statement of this piece.

What a Podstakannik is — Russian Tea Culture in Two Paragraphs

In Russia, tea is not drunk from cups, but from glasses — and the Podstakannik is the holder that encloses the glass and makes it possible to hold hot tea without burning oneself. Originally an object for railway travel: in the trains of the Russian Empire, tea was served in a glass, and the silver holder made holding it safe and elegant at the same time. From this context, the Podstakannik is a piece of cultural history — linked to travel, encounter, hospitality.

Today, the 925 silver Podstakannik is a collector's item and a gift with meaning. It tells of a tea culture that Europe hardly knows — and therein lies its charm. Whoever gives a Russian teaglass holder gives not only silver: they give a gesture of knowledge, interest, and respect for another tradition.

As a Gift — Father's Day, Business, Collectors, Symbols with Meaning

For Father's Day, this Podstakannik is a gift for fathers who don't need ties. For men who appreciate items with history. For the father who knows, loves, or has traveled to Russia. For the one who drinks tea — and for the one who simply knows how to appreciate an exceptional piece of silver.

As a business present for business partners, executives, and VIP recipients, this piece is suitable for several reasons: It is made of 925 silver — no doubt about its value. It has a motif with cultural depth — no doubt about its thoughtfulness. It comes in a dark blue velvet box — no doubt about the quality of the packaging. Promotions, anniversaries, contract signings: moments that deserve an object that commemorates.

For collectors of Russian goldsmith art and tea culture objects, this teaglass holder is a clear choice: historical motif, blackening, 925 silver, Russian state hallmark. All quality features of a serious collector's item are met.

Also for name days — especially for Georges — this piece is almost self-explanatory. The patron saint in silver, as a teaglass holder: a gift that carries its occasion.

Upon request, we will include a personal SilberVerse card in photo format (10×15 cm) — individually tailored to the occasion, recipient, and sender, currently free of charge. Since the relief covers the entire outer wall, engraving is not possible. The SilberVerse card is the personal alternative. Simply specify when ordering.

Care & FAQ

Silver with blackening requires adapted care: soft, dry cloths after use — no abrasives, no aggressive silver polishes that could attack the blackening in the depressions. A mild silver polishing cloth for the shiny surfaces is sufficient. The glass is hand washable. Neither part belongs in the dishwasher.

Is the holder made of real silver or just silver-plated?
The holder is made of solid 925 sterling silver — which corresponds to a fineness of 92.5% pure silver. This is not silver-plated material, but solid silver. The three hallmarks on the piece — 925 mark, manufacturer's mark, and Russian state hallmark — confirm this.

What is blackening — can it peel off?
Blackening is a dark surface treatment that is worked into the depressions of the relief and gives the motif contrast and depth. It is not a lacquer layer that can peel off. With proper care — no aggressive abrasives — it remains stable.

What does the motif on the holder depict?
The relief shows Saint George the Victorious — also known as St. George the Dragon Slayer — on horseback, defeating a dragon. This motif has been on the coat of arms of the city of Moscow since the 15th century. It stands for courage, protection, and the triumph of good. The Order of St. George was the highest Russian military decoration since 1769.

Is engraving possible?
No — the relief of St. George covers the entire outer wall of the holder. There is no free space for an engraving. The motif itself is the statement of this piece. As a personal alternative, we offer the free SilberVerse card: an individually designed card in photo format 10×15 cm, suitable for the occasion.

For which occasions is this Podstakannik suitable as a gift?
This 925 silver teaglass holder is particularly suitable for Father's Day, as a business gift for executives and business partners, for anniversaries, promotions, and name days — especially for Georges. Russia enthusiasts and collectors of Russian silver art will find a gift of substance in this piece.

Other silver gifts from our assortment:
925 Silver Business Gifts  |  925 Silver Father's Day Gifts  |  925 Silver Mother's Day Gifts  |  925 Silver Coffee & Tea Sets