Is chintz a specific pattern or design?
Chintz is a pattern characterized by dense, bold, bright, and mainly floral motifs on a pale background. The pattern heavily covers the fabric or pottery almost completely. It originated in India mainly in fabrics and became popular in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. The many variations of the pattern were used in decorating everything from window treatments to bedding to furniture to pottery. What is a Samovar? Symbolic of Russian tea drinking, this utensil is a kettle-shaped urn that heats the hot water and dispenses it through a spigot located at the bottom much like a coffee urn but more shapely and ornate. Samovars are usually made out of silver, bronze or copper and heat the water using charcoal (or in current times, electricity). On top of the samovar sits a small teapot containing a concentrated form of black tea called zavarka. When preparing to drink, a small amount of the concentrated tea is poured from the teapot and then diluted with the addition of hot water from t
