It is hard to imagine Russian tea drinking tradition without samovars used. So, how and when Samovars was designed? Historical predecessors of samovars are usual brass-made teapots. They was very popular at ancient china and probably, it was mongols or other eastern tribes who have bring them to Russia. But, main disadvantage of that teapots was - hot water quickly cooled. At 18th century first known devices which looks like samovars appeared. It was usual teapot with metal tube inside. Tube was heated by burned charcoal - so water inside teapot remained hot. Next, special device called "Kuhnya" (Kitchen) appeared - simple device to prepare food on open air. It was the same teapot - but for making "Shi" and "Kasha" inside of it. Tea was not popular at that times - because of price of tea, which was exported from China. But, due to conquer of Siberia tea became less expencive and Russian tea drinking tradition have began. At that times (18th century also) Russian "Kuhnya" device was changed to prepare not only "Shi" and "Kasha" but also to keep hot water for tea inside. "Kuhnya" was divided on 3 sections - one for "Shi" one for "Kasha" and one for Hot water Next step was to divide devices - so Samovar appeared - just for making tea. |
