My Russian Samovar

For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with the Russian culture. I can remember being as young as 10 and going to the library and checking out the few books on Russia our little library had and reading them over and over and over. All the books had pictures of samovars. I didn't know exactly what it was at that time, but I knew I wanted one. When I met my Papa Bear 16 years ago I had no idea he was an Armenian from Russia. We've been together ever since and I have learned lots about the Russian culture.
My mother in law came for a visit this past weekend and made one of my wishes come true. She brought me a real Russian samovar!!
Mr. Toby had to get in on some of these photos... he is such a bad kitty. There was no getting rid of him during my "photo shoot."

I love, love, love the khokhloma style painting on the samovar. LOVE IT!!!

This is the nozzle you pour the heated water from the samovar from. And of course, Toby!

Here is where you would place your teapot with tealeaves and a big of hot water. It will slowly heat from the water heating under it.

I cannot use it right now because of the electric adapter. It's not compatible with our plugs.

I love the flowers and fruits. It matches all my other Russian decorations in my kitchen.

I am so in love with my samovar. I wish I could use it. Emil and Nic said it's not a good idea. They both said the best samovars are the really old ones that has a hole in the middle and you stick wood in it. We checked some out on eBay but with the prices they are going for it will be another 16 years before I can get one!!

Classic Toby.....

Since I can't actually use my samovar I decided to place it on top of the shelves in my kitchen along with all my collection of my other Russian items. I placed it right in the middle of my Russian tea cozies. (lots of links because I have posted lots of my collection!)

She is the oldest. When I bought her on eBay she was around $30. Now this exact tea cozy, because of her age, can easily go over $100.

I am so happy to finally have a samovar, even if I can't use it. I have wanted one for so long I am sure I will enjoy just looking at it each time I walk into my kitchen. I couldn't thank my mother in law enough!!!

Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to share my favorite treasure with you. Please stop by and see Cindy @My Romantic Home and Beverly @How Sweet the Sound for more wonderful blogs with wonderful posts!!

And I'm finally almost ready to do my next giveaway. I just need to add in a few more items!