Samovar
Tea Heater Design Concept
Client: Manworksdesign Bureau (with S.Mozheyko)
Year: 2007
Description: For Russians, the samovar has always been more than just a water heater. It is a unique symbol of hearth and home, embodying coziness and friendly communication. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the samovar became an icon of Russian life and a central element of the tea ceremony, which in the 19th century was considered an integral part of the national cultural tradition.
Volume: 25 L.
Dimensions: 733 х 495 х 388 mm.
Material: copper, steel 18/8
We have reimagined the design of the classic charcoal-burning samovar, reviving an almost forgotten national tradition—the tea ceremony—with its captivating brew-up process. Our goal was to create an original samovar, not based on traditional prototypes, to show that an object can look entirely different while retaining its primary function: heating water. This charcoal-burning samovar requires no electricity, inviting people to participate in the brew-up process and enjoy the ensuing tea ceremony with a large group.
Technology: The pipe construction efficiently harnesses the heat from charcoal, distributing it evenly. The double-walled body with thermal insulation ensures safe use, while the low temperature on the outer shell allows for innovative materials like wood or leather in the design. The complex internal reservoir creates a unique method of water preparation, characteristic of samovars. Natural convection promotes thorough mixing and gradual, even heating of the liquid. With an efficiency of over 70%, the samovar’s high capacity and design keep the water warm for extended periods, enabling leisurely conversations without needing to refill.
Ten years later, we designed the second version of the samovar. We used copper for the boiler body. This version is more authentic in feeling, as this material is traditional in a huge number of historical versions of the samovar.