An Imperial Russian silver podstakannik (tea glass holder) dating to the period 1896 to 1908, as established by the Russian state assay mark — the woman's head profile facing left, introduced under the hallmarking reform of 1896. The body is engraved overall with a flowing floral pattern in the Art Nouveau manner, consistent with decorative silver production in Russia at the turn of the twentieth century. The silver is struck 84, the Russian purity standard equivalent to approximately 875 parts per thousand; weight is 86 g. The maker's two-letter Cyrillic initials are struck twice, once on the upper rim and once on the lower rim; a further two-letter assay office mark, possibly Moscow though only partially legible, is also present; the maker has not been positively identified from the mark as read. Condition is Very Good: the engraving is sharp and well-preserved, and the piece retains its overall form and finish, but there is light curving to the base rim on one side, visible on close inspection. No repairs, restorations, or other damage have been noted. Size: 8.5 cm.