The samovar came into use in Russia in the mid-18th century. Early specimens often resembled vases in shape. The laws of the style dominant in decorative applied art of the period influenced their proportions, ornamentation and even certain structural details.
The samovar with an egg-shaped body upheld by curved rods, the whole resting on a figured base with ball feet, illustrates one of the most popular types in use in the early part of the 19th century. Though rather complex in structure, it is distinguished by a unity of form and elegant, noble outline.