Stakan

A stakan (Russian: стакан) is a thin, cylindrical, often faceted drinking glass common in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. Its defining characteristic is its lack of a handle.

The stakan is a ubiquitous household item and can be found in canteens, trains, and used as a measuring cup in recipes. It is often used for drinking tea, water, juice, and stronger beverages like vodka.

While the exact origins are debated, the faceted stakan's design is often attributed to Vera Mukhina, a prominent Soviet sculptor, in the 1940s, although this is likely a myth. The design is claimed to be particularly durable and less prone to chipping compared to traditional glassware.

The stakan is a cultural symbol of everyday life in the Soviet era and continues to be widely used and recognized today. The volume of a stakan can vary, but a common size is approximately 200 ml (about 7 fluid ounces) when filled to the rim. A common measure used in Soviet-era recipes is "one stakan," referring to this approximate volume.