This unusual and eye-catching spirit kettle from 19th-century Russia features a basilisk—a legendary creature known as the “king of serpents”—watching over the pot like a silent guardian. Spirit kettles were popular household items in the 1800s, used to heat water or tea. They got their name from the fuel used to power them: “spirit” alcohol, which burned in a small lamp beneath the kettle to keep it warm. This particular kettle is more than just practical—it’s a work of art.
Made from a mix of wood, bronze, and copper, the kettle sits on a raised stand, giving it a grand and noble look. The fierce-looking basilisk on top adds a mythical touch, symbolizing strength, watchfulness, or even protection. In European folklore, the basilisk was feared for its deadly gaze, but in the decorative arts, it was often used as a symbol of power and royalty. This piece is now housed at the Museum of Samovars and Bouillottes in Russia, a place known for its collection of historic tea and water-heating tools. The spirit kettle shows not only the everyday customs of tea drinking in 19th-century Russia but also how legend and artistry could turn a simple household object into something magical and memorable.
