Samovars are essentially kettles for heating water, but their significance does not stop there. Samovars are lasting symbols of Russian culture. They represent hospitality and warmth and act as functional art objects for the home. Samovars once had a special place in the Russian home, and they are still used on special occasions. For the traveler, the Russian samovar can be an elegant and functional souvenir that will lend an element of Russian culture to any social occasion.
Read more about the history and use of samovars:
Whether or not you travel to Russia, you can still purchase a samovar. In Russia, you need look no further than souvenir markets. Markets like Izmailovo Market in Moscow will offer both antique and modern samovars. Samovars can also be purchased online. Online auction sites sell samovars, but if you're looking for a special type of samovar, it might be best to shop from a website specializing in samovars. For example, you can buy a samovar directly from Tula, a city famous for its production of samovars, through the site Tula-Samovar.com.ru.
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Samovar photo credit: iStockphoto/Rumo_S