SAMOVAR (Self Boiler, in Russian)is a large kettle used to boil water and make infused tea. The original samovars had a tube in the center where red hot charcoal would be placed to boil the water. Then tea was made by filling a teapot with tea leaves and hot water, on top of the samovar for infusion. Once ready, the dark tea would be mixed with water to the desired strength in a glass (usually placed in a glass holder) and taken with sugar cubes. The samovar, now in its electrical version is widely used in Russia, some eastern European countries, Turkey and Iran. Samovars are made of copper, silver or cheaper metals, in many shapes and sizes. This Limoges box represents a common shape of a Samovar with its teapot and tray. On the inside is a typical tea glass in its holder. Realized exclusively for A.F. LIMOGES SIZE: 2 3/4" X 1 1/2" X 1 1/8"