The Samovar

 

 This is not your average coffee pot. In fact, this water-boiling contraption was typically used to make tea. The samovar, or "miracle water heater," was an early 18th century invention from Russia that spread to Central, Southeastern, and Southern Europe,  the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Samovars quickly became essential to any hospitality given in Russia, and they are still common today. The decoration, form, and materials used have changed over the 299 years of the samovar's existence, but the impeccable design has virtually remained the same.

 

 

 

Tea was introduced to Russia during the 1630s when a Mongolian ruler bestowed it upon Tsar Michael I. It was not until nearly one century later in 1727 that the Treaty of Kiakhta was signed, permitting the Russians and Chinese to periodically trade freely with one another. Being one of China's largest exports, it is no surprise that tea became prominent in Russian society. Their bone-chilling climate is another reason tea took off: a piping hot cup of tea kept them warm and comfortable during the harsh Russian winters.

A samovar's general duty is to heat water. The difference between this appliance and the customary cast-iron stove, however, is that it is portable! As shown in the diagram below, the samovar's heating capabilities rely on a central tube which separates the burning charcoal from the water. The spout at the base of the tank releases the hot water, and the crown at the top of the tank is used to warm a small teapot. You can watch a video  about how a samovar works and its importance to Russian life here. 




You might think that a samovar looks a little too exquisite for the Farm House to have utilized. Hot water has more uses than just making tea for guests, of course, and that was especially evident on farms. Samovars allowed cooks to prepare more food in less time because the stove space for boiling water would have been free. Cooking for about 30-40 farmhands, professors, and their families per meal, cooks at the Farm House needed all the space and time they could get!

Next time you stop into the Farm House Museum, keep an eye out for the beautiful, sparkling samovar in the first floor's northeast dining room. We'd love to see you there!

Farm House Museum is open Monday-Friday, 12-4 PM.