19th Century Stamped Imperial Batashev Brass Judaica Samovar, Star of David, Electrified - Kam Collection

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An exceptional, highly rare, and beautifully documented late 19th-century Imperial Russian brass samovar, masterfully converted into a functional accent table … Read more An exceptional, highly rare, and beautifully documented late 19th-century Imperial Russian brass samovar, masterfully converted into a functional accent table lamp. This museum-quality piece was crafted in Tula, the historic metalworking capital of the Russian Empire, by the legendary Batashev Brothers factory (Vasily, Alexander, and Pavel Batashev), widely celebrated as the "kings of samovars."
The heavy brass body serves as an incredible historical record, showcasing a spectacular and extensive row of original stamped exhibition medals, official czarist crests, and imperial seals deeply impressed into the metal, including the prominent 1870 exhibition stamp. The square base and the removable upper lid feature further authentic Cyrillic maker marks and official stamps that fully validate its imperial prestige.
What makes this particular piece an extraordinary, highly coveted holy grail for collectors is its custom Judaica personalization tailored for the Jewish market. The distinctive hexagonal upper crown is beautifully engraved with fine Hebrew lettering and is proudly surmounted by a solid brass Star of David finial.
Adding to its practicality for sophisticated modern interiors, the piece was professionally electrified in the mid-to-late 20th century, transforming it into a one-of-a-kind statement lamp. It comes complete with its original matching brass drip tray and an incorporated electrical socket assembly underneath the lid structure.
Hailing directly from the renowned private art and antique collection of Maxine Segal Kam and Michael Kam in Philadelphia, this samovar offers a flawless double pedigree. As showcased in the final three documentation photos, this exact home and its elite collection have been extensively featured in prominent cultural publications, including the Philadelphia Daily News, the Jewish Exponent, and Inside Magazine. This original, comprehensive press coverage and historical documentation are fully pictured and will be included with the purchase, cementing its undeniable provenance. See less