Vodyanyk Teapot ~ Vintage

DescriptionAdorned with beautiful embroidery decals that look like intricate Ukrainian cross-stitch patterns, the Vodyanyk Teapot is truly a beautiful piece.In Slavic mythology водяник or vodyanyk are a slavic spirit that appeared as a naked old man. He had a frog-like face, greenish beard, and long hair. Covered in algae, muck, and black fish scales. Locals called him “grandfather” or “forefather” and drownings are the work of him.With a fish’s tail, and eyes that burn like red-hot coals, he rode along his river on a half-sunken log. He would store the souls of the drowned in porcelain teapots. The teapots were their most valuable item as they displayed of their “work”. With the number of teapots representing their wealth of stolen souls, wealth and status. Souls trapped inside the teapots (in the form of a bubble or orb) could escape if the lid was removed.To appease him, Fishermen, millers, and bee-keepers would leave sacrifices. Fishermen would ask the vodník for help by placing a pinch of tobacco in the water and saying, “Here’s your tobacco, Lord Vodník, now give me a fish.”Many cultures treat teapots with great reverence. Damage to one signalled an interruption of peace or an ill omen.You will receive the pictured Vintage Slavic Vodyanyk Teapot