French Samovar of the XIX Century in Solid Silver in Perfect State of Conservation.

This is an important and decorative solid silver samovar, made in France in nineteenth century. The whole of the piece has been very well preserved, beautifully decorated with vegetable motifs embossed on the handle and the support of the teapot, which include laurels and flowery friezes. The teapot has shows a simplicity in style, based on elegant engraved decoration dotted along the entire contour of the body and a beautiful central shield with no inlays, something important for consideration in the purchase of a piece like this. The most developed decoration in the teapot is primarily distributed in the handle, which include two ivory rings to prevent the heat transferring, and the spout, decorated with incised lines in the central oval silver. It comes in perfect condition, without any apparent break or scratches, but it has silver markings that confirm their date and location (Minerva). Tea tradition extends from Japan to Europe, being introduced first in England, and spreading later as a common practice across the continent. Both chocolate and coffee were very usually drunk in Europe before the arrival of tea, but the thereof them were expensive drinks that could only afford the upper social classes of the time. In a short period of time the demand for these highly decorated silver vessels increased, together with a set of items such as spoons, sugar, etc ... that certainly showed the high economic power of the people who could afford it. A beautiful and refined piece, that could only be used previously for a few people, but that now, are completely at the reach of any collectors who know how to enjoy it.Size: 41 inches (total height), 28 x 17 cm (tea) Weight: 1.30 kg (tea), 900 g (base).