Twin handled antique English silver plated samovar

Made in Victorian England, this fine piece is a large decorative samovar, crafted from silver plate and embellished with handles of bone, and dating to the late nineteenth century.

Samovars are a type of preparatory drinking vessel, favoured in Russia, that was used extensively in the preparation and drinking of tea. Used at all levels of society, samovars are important pieces in the material culture of Russia, and to a lesser extent have seen use in Iran, Turkey, and Kashmir.

At the more lavish end, samovars were often extensively decorated and highly ornate pieces, as exemplified here. This particular piece, engraved 'Best London Manufac', is made from silver plate and mounted with bone handles. A superb, elegant, refined and yet highly aesthetically pleasing piece, it offers a fine testament to antique material culture for the right collector.