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Biedermeier Tea Sets

Biedermeier Style

The authentic Biedermeier furniture on 1stDibs is representative of the first modern European decorative style not dictated by the tastes of the aristocracy. Following the Napoleonic wars, a growing, wealthy urban middle class in the German-speaking states of Central Europe began to demand rights and privileges once granted only to nobles. To avoid trouble, the upwardly striving confined their political discussions to one another’s homes. And so the salon was born.

Cabinetmakers in cities such as Vienna, Berlin and Mainz began to offer goods that reflected the tastes and needs of the new class. The makers of Biedermeier chairs, tables and other furniture used little or no gilding, silver hardware or other lavish ornament. Ebonized trims are common on Biedermeier cabinetry, and neoclassical elements — lyre-shaped chair splats, carved scrollwork, table supports shaped like Greek columns. But the strongest aesthetic statement came from the wood — richly-grained, honey-colored, often book-matched veneers of walnut and fruitwood.

There are two iconic Biedermeier furniture forms, both made to outfit rooms designed for conversation. One is the sofa, deeply upholstered with a strong, architectural wooden frame. The second is the circular pedestal table, which stood at the center of the room, offering a surface on which to place coffee and cake services; or to roll out a map, or sketch out ideas on paper.

“Biedermeier” was originally a derogatory term — it derives from the pen names of two German magazine writers who mocked bourgeois manners. Looking at the elegant and refined antique, new and vintage Biedermeier furniture offered on 1stDibs, that is now an amusing irony.

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Style: Biedermeier
Early 19th Century Biedermeier Period Topographical Porcelain Cup and Saucer
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German Biedermeier period topographical porcelain cup and saucer. The front decorated with a finely hand painted depiction of ...
Category

19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Meissen Porcelain Pink Roses Coffee Service and Embossed Decorations '11 Cups'
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Rare Meissen porcelain coffee service in Biedermeier style; the set consists of a teapot, a sugar bowl, a milk jug, and 11 cups with plate; the various pieces are made of fine hand-painted hard white porcelain with the "Pink Roses" decoration enriched on all items with sumptuous unpainted relief decorations. Unlike the simple and quite common "Pink Roses", this model is very rare, prestigious, and sought after, therefore even more expensive; in fact, the objects with this relief decoration, much more particular and detailed than others, were fired three times, while those with only the "Pink Roses" decoration only twice. Moreover, the execution of this ornamental motif with delicate and graceful flowers was entrusted only to the most experienced and skilled painters, those in possession of the prestigious diploma obtained at the "School of Drawing of Meissen" established since 1764. The knobs of the teapot and sugar bowl represent two harmonious and graceful rosebuds, also handmade; the edges of the cups and saucers are scalloped and finished with pure gold as well as the other decorations of the teapot and sugar bowl. All pieces bear the original Meissen trademark (two crossed swords) and from the enclosed list it can be stated with certainty that our service was produced between 1934 and 1944; moreover, on the objects the model is handwritten (61/106), this wording makes the artifacts even more precious and appreciated as they preserve all the characteristics of the author's calligraphy. Meissen porcelain was created in the castle of Albrechtsburg, in Meissen, a small town in Saxony near Dresden, in 1710, at the behest of Augustus the Strong (1670-1733), Prince-Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, who wanted to start production after the studies and experiments of his alchemist Bottger. Bottger discovered the formula for porcelain, in fact at that time, only the Chinese and Japanese had the recipe to create this wonderful material; Meissen was, therefore, the first porcelain produced in Europe! Bottger never revealed his formula to anyone, only a certain stage was known to the workers; we do not know, even today, in what proportions the different components are mixed; this is the great secret that allowed the famous brand to be considered the best in the world, Meissen porcelain is given the nickname of "white gold"! Through the years, Meissen has perfected its hard-paste products with high-temperature firing during its glazing. Meissen's porcelain patterns have been copied by many other manufacturers around the world such as Royal Copenhagen, Dresden, Herend, and many others, but Meissen's porcelain glaze maintains its quality over time and is superior to all (plates will not scratch with prolonged use of cutlery!). This is why even old Meissen...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Biedermeier Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique German Biedermeier Footed Silver Sugar Chest or Box
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique German sugar box is composed of .875 silver and dates to circa 1850 in the Biedermeier style. The box sits on ornately crafted feet and features clam shell relief decora...
Category

Mid-19th Century German Antique Biedermeier Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

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Karolina Porcelain Coffee Service, Poland, 1950s / 1960s
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Ray Loewy White Grey Gold Porcelain Espresso Coffee Cup & Saucer, Set of 2
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Biedermeier tea sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Biedermeier tea sets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage tea sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, decorative objects and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with ceramic, porcelain and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Biedermeier tea sets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Germany, and Austria pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original tea sets, popular names associated with this style include and Meissen Porcelain. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for tea sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,250 and tops out at $7,000 while the average work can sell for $3,597.

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