Samovar
The metal urn for heating water for tea, the centre of the tea table in Russia, Iran and Central Asia.
Also: samavar
A samovar is a large metal urn, with a central tube filled with charcoal or an electric element, used to keep water hot for tea. A small teapot of strong tea concentrate sits on top and is diluted with hot water from the tap of the urn. In Russia it is a symbol of hospitality and family, with a tea table set with jam, sweets and pastries. In Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey, it serves in the home and the teahouse. The most prized samovars of Tula are decorated brass. The word means self-boiler, and modern versions are electric.
Region: Central Asia and the Caucasus