Samovars

Samovars in Russian Culture

Samovars are symbolic of Russian culture and the allure of exoticism it holds over Russophiles all over the world. These ornate devices are used for heating water for tea, which is as much of a social lubricant as is Russian vodka, and which is also useful for staving off the bitter cold of Russian winters. Sitting around the samovar, drinking tea, and enjoying the company of friends and family members is a part of Russian tradition.

The samovar isn't the staple appliance it once was, but its connection with Russian culture has failed to fade, and it still makes a wonderful souvenir, gift, or even a novel element of home décor. Markets and shops in Russia still sell samovars – both antique and modern ones – and though they are notoriously unwieldy objects to return home with, they become prized conversation pieces and evidence of travel to far away places.

What is a Samovar?

The word samovar in Russian means "boils itself." The appearance of samovars preceded the appearance of electric tea kettles, but they serve essentially the same purpose. They heat water for tea and and have traditionally been used as a part of Russian tea culture.

The largest part of the Russian samovar, the body, holds the water. Inside the body is a heating element which heats the water. A spout releases water for tea. A small tea pot can be placed on the top of the samovar to keep the tea concentrate inside warm.

To make the tea, tea concentrate is poured from the tea pot into a cup. Then the cup is placed under the spout of the samovar and filled with water. Many samovars leak, so it's typical to see them placed on matching trays or with a towel or bowl underneath the spigot.

View more photos of samovars:

• Samovar Photos

Samovar History

The samovar's origins are unclear. Some say that the samovar is a Russian invention, while others say that it has its origins in the Middle East. Whatever the truth, the samovar's connections with Russia is not under dispute. The samovar once enjoyed pride of place at the Russian table. References to samovars can be found in Russian literature, like Crime and Punishment, and in Russian art, like Malevich's painting entitled Samovar.

Samovars were originally heated with coal or another fuel. Most samovars were and are made of metal. Those that graced the tables of the wealthy often referenced the prevailing style of the times and were made of silver. The very finest samovars are decorated with Russian enamel work and are museum-worthy pieces.

Samovars Today

Modern samovars use electricity to heat the water and are produced in factories. The Russian city of Tula is so famous for samovar production that it is even home to a samovar museum. These functional devices are usually made of iron, tin, copper, or other types of metal. Some are without decoration and others exhibit fine metalwork or painted folk motifs. Some families still have and use samovars, especially during holidays. The visitor to Russia might see samovars on Russian trains, in traditional restaurants as elements of the interior décor, or at a party thrown by Russian hosts.