🍷 Azarphesha

Azarphesha is a Georgian silver cup-ladle for wine. It is a low, wide bowl with a handle, from which wine is scooped from a jug and drunk. It is used at the feast called a supra, when toasts are made.

The supra is a traditional Georgian feast. It is led by the tamada, who proposes toasts. Each toast is raised with wine. The bowl is tied to a sense of community and respect for guests. It is often decorated with patterns, sometimes with chased work.

The bowl is usually silver, but can also be of other metals, clay or horn. Silver azarpheshas are valued as family heirlooms and given at weddings and important occasions.

The azarphesha is a reminder that wine in Georgia is part of culture and custom. It is sipped little by little, with respect, and moderation is customary at the feast. For getting to know Georgian tradition, this object is as telling as the qvevri.