A relative of the samovar from Europe: why did you decide to recall the bouillotte displayed on Violiti?

The boulotte samovar, a fancy device with an equally fancy name, was exhibited back in March. Literally a few days after his appearance on the Violiti website, he found a new owner. But it is impossible to ignore this lot, even after several months.

The name of the lot speaks for itself - “Samovar-Bulotka. Locomotive." - a brass product in the shape of a steam locomotive with 98% silver plating. At the time of sale, the samovar was in excellent condition, without defects and traces of restoration, it was said in the description of the lot.

There are several versions of the origin of the name "boulotte". According to one of them, this is a French word, according to the other - English. But it translates as "boil" or "boil". Initially, this device was used only in field conditions, and since the 18th century it has turned into an additional accessory to the samovar.

Bulottes were used not only to boil liquids, but also to keep them hot for a long time. They played the role of not only samovars, but also thermoses. In addition to tea and coffee, mulled wine, punch and grog were brewed in them. Sometimes even eggs.

Judging by the look of the exhibited lot, the craftsmen showed a special imagination when creating bouillottes. They were decorated with graceful handles, mesh inserts, patterned ornaments. The same can be said about the choice of shapes - round, conical, oval. They were made in the form of teapots, steam locomotives, animals and birds. As for the weight, in some specimens it reached several kilograms.

Boulotte designs were alcohol and kettlebell constructions. The former were heated by an alcohol burner, and later on kerosene. The latter were a kind of mini-samovar: a hot weight or piece of metal was lowered into the tube of the vessel, which was responsible for keeping warm.

Lot "Samovar-Bulotka. Locomotive." interesting not only as a collector's item, but also as a full-fledged part of the cultural heritage. Agree, not many items can boast of such popularity.

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