A typical example of a samovar (a tea urn), this would be filled with hot tea and used for dispensing directly into cups from a side buffet or breakfast table in a dining room. The inside of the spout has a mesh/filter to stop any tea leaves coming through. These would also be used as a movable object at events such as garden parties, fetes etc.
 
This is a Dutch toile work samovar from the end of the 19th century. The black Jappaned body is decorated in gold leaf.  The samovar sits on top of a brass stand on three legs, this has a central dish shape to hold a candle, the tea is poured from a small tap at the front of the kettle.
 
Their are no dinges or splits to the samovar, but their is some loss to the black paint. The tap turns freely.
 
Dimensions: 45cm x 20cm x 20cm