What are the features and uses of a Russian Samovar, and how does it fit into Russian tea culture?

A Russian samovar is a traditional tea-making device that consists of a large, often ornately decorated, metal urn with a spigot and a smaller container on top for boiling water. It uses charcoal or wood to heat water, which is then mixed with concentrated tea from the top container. The samovar is central to Russian tea culture, symbolizing hospitality and social gatherings, and is used to serve tea in a traditional and ceremonious manner.