Samovar from Tula
The Russian tea urn with a tube for embers in the middle, made in series in the arms town of Tula.
Tula became the city of samovars in the 19th century, with dozens of factories. The samovar was the centre of Russian tea drinking at home and in stations. Examples are in the Samovar Museum in Tula and the Hermitage.
Materials: Brass or copper, sometimes nickel-plated; wooden handles
Manufacture: Pressed and soldered brass; a tube through the middle is filled with glowing charcoal that heats the water.
The tap at the bottom and the chimney at the top where the teapot sits to keep warm.
Exhibition medals stamped on the side – the factory’s pride.