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Antique Pryor Strawberry Sterling Silver Tea Strainer
Antique Pryor Strawberry Sterling Silver Tea Strainer

Antique Pryor Strawberry Sterling Silver Tea Strainer

Located in Montreal, QC

Beautiful sterling silver embossed strawberry and foliate tea strainer with wooden handle

Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

George W. Shiebler Sterling Silver American Beauty 61 Over the Cup Tea Strainer
George W. Shiebler Sterling Silver American Beauty 61 Over the Cup Tea Strainer

George W. Shiebler Sterling Silver American Beauty 61 Over the Cup Tea Strainer

By George Shiebler

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Antique sterling silver over the cup tea strainer in the American Beauty pattern, by George W

Category

1890s North American Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea Strainer Hallmarked in 1925/26
Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea Strainer Hallmarked in 1925/26

Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea Strainer Hallmarked in 1925/26

By William Suckling Ltd.

Located in London, London

Strainer, features an ornate handle and plain square base. The tea strainer measures 1.25"(3cm) tall, by 6

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Dominick & Haff Sterling Silver Tea Strainer Pattern 40 #21294
Dominick & Haff Sterling Silver Tea Strainer Pattern 40 #21294

Dominick & Haff Sterling Silver Tea Strainer Pattern 40 #21294

By Dominick & Haff

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Sterling silver flower tea strainer by Dominick & Haff, pattern #40. No monogram. This

Category

19th Century Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Whiting Mfg Co Sterling Silver Louis XV Tea Strainer with Monogram
Whiting Mfg Co Sterling Silver Louis XV Tea Strainer with Monogram

Whiting Mfg Co Sterling Silver Louis XV Tea Strainer with Monogram

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Sterling silver over the cup tea strainer in the Louis XV pattern, by Whiting Mfg Co, circa 1891

Category

19th Century Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

1890s Antique Russian Silver and Polychrome Cloisonne Enamel Tea Strainer
1890s Antique Russian Silver and Polychrome Cloisonne Enamel Tea Strainer

1890s Antique Russian Silver and Polychrome Cloisonne Enamel Tea Strainer

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

polychrome cloisonné enamel tea strainer has a circular rounded form. The circular bowl of the tea

Category

1890s Russian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Georg Jensen, early tea strainer with holder in 830 silver.
Georg Jensen, early tea strainer with holder in 830 silver.

Georg Jensen, early tea strainer with holder in 830 silver.

Located in København, Copenhagen

Georg Jensen, early tea strainer with holder. 830 silver. Model number 10. Marked with 1915-1932

Category

1910s Danish Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Silver Tea Strainer on Stand, Tuck Chang, Shanghai, C.1900
Chinese Export Silver Tea Strainer on Stand, Tuck Chang, Shanghai, C.1900

Chinese Export Silver Tea Strainer on Stand, Tuck Chang, Shanghai, C.1900

By Tuck Chang & Co.

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Late 19th century Chinese export silver tea strainer on stand, Tuck Chang, Shanghai, C.1900. Plain

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Late 19th Century Dutch 800 Standard Silver Tea Strainer
Late 19th Century Dutch 800 Standard Silver Tea Strainer

Late 19th Century Dutch 800 Standard Silver Tea Strainer

By William Comyns

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Late 19th Century Dutch 800 Standard Silver tea strainer or pierced serving spoon. Very popular

Category

Late 19th Century Dutch Victorian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Arts Crafts Sterling Tea Strainer, Emmy Roth, Germany, circa 1920
Arts Crafts Sterling Tea Strainer, Emmy Roth, Germany, circa 1920

Arts Crafts Sterling Tea Strainer, Emmy Roth, Germany, circa 1920

Located in Toronto, Ontario

Arts & Crafts silver tea strainer, Emmy Roth, Germany, circa 1920. The hammered silver strainer of

Category

Early 20th Century Arts and Crafts Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Vintage Liebs Silver Co Sterling Silver Cauldron Tea Strainer/Infuser
Vintage Liebs Silver Co Sterling Silver Cauldron Tea Strainer/Infuser

Vintage Liebs Silver Co Sterling Silver Cauldron Tea Strainer/Infuser

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage sterling silver tea infuser in the shape of a cauldron by Liebs Silver Co. Liebs Silver

Category

Early 20th Century North American Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Very Rare George III Tea Strainer Made in London in 1790
Very Rare George III Tea Strainer Made in London in 1790

Very Rare George III Tea Strainer Made in London in 1790

Located in London, GB

placed down the straight spout of the teapot allowing the tea to be poured and strained. These strainers

Category

1790s English Antique Tea Strainers

19th Century Russian Silver & Enamel Tea Service, Moscow, c.1890
19th Century Russian Silver & Enamel Tea Service, Moscow, c.1890

19th Century Russian Silver & Enamel Tea Service, Moscow, c.1890

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Height 7,5 cm Length 12 cm SERVING CUTLERY ( sugar tong, tea strainer, fork, tea caddy spoon). Length of

Category

19th Century Russian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Seven-Piece Tea Set on Tray
Antique Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Seven-Piece Tea Set on Tray

Antique Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Seven-Piece Tea Set on Tray

By Tu Mao Xing

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

, comprising of coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug, slop bowl, tea caddy and tea strainer, all on the

Category

1880s Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Antique Norwegian Solid Silver & Enamel Spoons & Strainer, Andersen, circa 1890
Antique Norwegian Solid Silver & Enamel Spoons & Strainer, Andersen, circa 1890

Antique Norwegian Solid Silver & Enamel Spoons & Strainer, Andersen, circa 1890

By David Andersen

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

(each) 11.6g. Tea strainer: Length (each) 12cm, width (each) 7cm, weight 44g.     

Category

19th Century Norwegian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Enamel, Sterling Silver

Tiffany Sterling Silver Enameled Tea Stainer & Spoons-Orig. Box
Tiffany Sterling Silver Enameled Tea Stainer & Spoons-Orig. Box

Tiffany Sterling Silver Enameled Tea Stainer & Spoons-Orig. Box

Located in Great Barrington, MA

This perfect boxed set of Norwegian sterling silver tea strainer and matching 6 spoons were

Category

Early 20th Century Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Rare Antique English Derby King's Patt. Imari Porcelain Cabaret Set on Stand
Rare Antique English Derby King's Patt. Imari Porcelain Cabaret Set on Stand

Rare Antique English Derby King's Patt. Imari Porcelain Cabaret Set on Stand

By Crown Derby

Located in CHARLESTON, SC

(later made) Crown Derby porcelain tea strainer and drip tray. This pattern was originally made in the

Category

Late 19th Century English George III Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Group of Toleware
Group of Toleware

Group of Toleware

Sold|$450 / set

Group of Toleware

Located in Doylestown, PA

circular tray in black ground with painted fruits and garlands, and a small tea strainer in black ground

Category

Early 20th Century American Folk Art Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Tin

Christofle (Cardeilhac) - 10pc.  950 Sterling Silver Tea Set - Renaissance Model
Christofle (Cardeilhac) - 10pc.  950 Sterling Silver Tea Set - Renaissance Model

Christofle (Cardeilhac) - 10pc. 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set - Renaissance Model

By Christofle Cardeilhac 1

Located in Wilmington, DE

for easy storage. The dainty tea strainer is silver-plate and is also in excellent condition with no

Category

1910s French Renaissance Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Shelley Art Deco Slop Bowl, Peaches and Grapes on Queen Anne Shape, 1926
Shelley Art Deco Slop Bowl, Peaches and Grapes on Queen Anne Shape, 1926

Shelley Art Deco Slop Bowl, Peaches and Grapes on Queen Anne Shape, 1926

By Shelley Pottery

Located in London, GB

a time before tea strainers were widely used. They were used to pour out left over tea (with the tea

Category

1920s English Art Deco Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Christofle (Cardeilhac) - 10pc. Antique French 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set
Christofle (Cardeilhac) - 10pc. Antique French 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set

Christofle (Cardeilhac) - 10pc. Antique French 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set

By Christofle Cardeilhac 1

Located in Wilmington, DE

comes with its own anti-tarnish storage warp for easy storage. The dainty tea strainer is silver-plated

Category

Early 20th Century Renaissance Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Trajan by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 162 Pcs Dinner
Trajan by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 162 Pcs Dinner

Trajan by Reed and Barton Sterling Silver Flatware Set Service 162 Pcs Dinner

By Reed & Barton

Located in Big Bend, WI

spoons, 7 1/2", 12 flat handle butter spreaders, 5 1/4", 12 cocktail forks, 6", 12 iced tea spoons, 7

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Spode Porcelain Bowl, Imari Tobacco Leaf Pattern 967, ca 1815
Spode Porcelain Bowl, Imari Tobacco Leaf Pattern 967, ca 1815

Spode Porcelain Bowl, Imari Tobacco Leaf Pattern 967, ca 1815

By Spode

Located in London, GB

last tea leaves that would be left behind in a teacup in an era before there were tea strainers to keep

Category

1810s English Regency Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Coalport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Church Gresley in Orange, Gilt, Regency ca 1810
Coalport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Church Gresley in Orange, Gilt, Regency ca 1810

Coalport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Church Gresley in Orange, Gilt, Regency ca 1810

By Coalport Porcelain

Located in London, GB

tea strainers to keep the tea leaves out of the tea. Guests would tip the last tea into the slop bowl

Category

1810s English Regency Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Art Nouveau Silver Cutlery Set For 6 People In Display Case, Austria-Hungary
Art Nouveau Silver Cutlery Set For 6 People In Display Case, Austria-Hungary

Art Nouveau Silver Cutlery Set For 6 People In Display Case, Austria-Hungary

By Viennese Manufactory

Located in Vienna, AT

Serving fork / 1 Cake- or Fish lifter / 1 Sugar spoon or tea strainer Total weight of all cutlery parts

Category

1910s Hungarian Art Nouveau Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Silver 800 Cutlery Set 207 Pieces 12 Persons Germany Baroque Design Made 1900
Silver 800 Cutlery Set 207 Pieces 12 Persons Germany Baroque Design Made 1900

Silver 800 Cutlery Set 207 Pieces 12 Persons Germany Baroque Design Made 1900

By Burberg & Co.

Located in Vienna, AT

included) Two tea strainers  ____________________________________________________________ Manufactory

Category

Early 1900s German Baroque Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Silver 800 Cutlery Set Klinkosch Austria 191 Pieces Form 184  12 Persons 1890
Silver 800 Cutlery Set Klinkosch Austria 191 Pieces Form 184  12 Persons 1890

Silver 800 Cutlery Set Klinkosch Austria 191 Pieces Form 184 12 Persons 1890

By Mayerhofer & Klinkosch

Located in Vienna, AT

-- SUGAR SHAKER -- SALT SHAKER -- TEA STRAINER WITH BONE TOTAL WEIGHT OF CUTLERY: 8513 grams / 300

Category

1890s Austrian Other Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Minton Porcelain Slop Bowl, Apricot Orange Ground, Gilt and Flowers, ca 1845
Minton Porcelain Slop Bowl, Apricot Orange Ground, Gilt and Flowers, ca 1845

Minton Porcelain Slop Bowl, Apricot Orange Ground, Gilt and Flowers, ca 1845

By Minton

Located in London, GB

served to collect the "slop"; this was a time before the tea strainer had been invented and people used

Category

1840s English Victorian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Russian Cutlery in a French Case, late 19th to early 20th Century
Russian Cutlery in a French Case, late 19th to early 20th Century

Russian Cutlery in a French Case, late 19th to early 20th Century

Located in Greding, DE

, Nicolai Lukich (1822-1855). Sauce ladle: St. Petersburg 1908-1917, Master: ... = K.S. Tea strainer: St

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Coalport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Green with Flowers, Regency, circa 1826
Coalport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Green with Flowers, Regency, circa 1826

Coalport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Green with Flowers, Regency, circa 1826

By Coalport Porcelain

Located in London, GB

belonged to a large tea service. In the early 19th Century people didn't use tea strainers yet so before

Category

1820s English Regency Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Danish Silversmith, Antique Silver Tea Strainer, Dated 1847
Danish Silversmith, Antique Silver Tea Strainer, Dated 1847

Danish Silversmith, Antique Silver Tea Strainer, Dated 1847

Located in København, Copenhagen

Danish silversmith. Antique silver 830 tea strainer. Dated 1847. Length: 18.5 cm. In excellent

Category

1840s Danish Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

1908 Edwardian Sterling Silver Tea Strainer
1908 Edwardian Sterling Silver Tea Strainer

1908 Edwardian Sterling Silver Tea Strainer

By Grey & Co, Birmingham

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine, impressive and unusual antique Edwardian English sterling silver tea strainer

Category

Early 1900s Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Marius Hammer Red Enamel & Gilt Sterling Silver Tea Strainer
Antique Marius Hammer Red Enamel & Gilt Sterling Silver Tea Strainer

Antique Marius Hammer Red Enamel & Gilt Sterling Silver Tea Strainer

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A very fine Norwegian tea strainer by Marius Hammer. With red enamel decoration to the above, a

Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Russian Empire Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver, Enamel

Chinese Export Silver Tea Strainer with Bone Handle
Chinese Export Silver Tea Strainer with Bone Handle

Chinese Export Silver Tea Strainer with Bone Handle

Located in Austin, TX

A fine Chinese export silver tea strainer for the Southeast Asian market, featuring a bone handle

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver

Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain, Tea Strainer Cup
Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain, Tea Strainer Cup

Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted Plain, Tea Strainer Cup

Located in København, Copenhagen

Royal Copenhagen blue fluted plain, tea strainer cup. Decoration number 1/423. Produced

Category

Early 20th Century Danish Antique Tea Strainers

Sterling Silver Tea Strainer by Webster & Co.
Sterling Silver Tea Strainer by Webster & Co.

Sterling Silver Tea Strainer by Webster & Co.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Sterling silver tea strainer by Webster Silver Company. The interesting feature here is that the

Category

Early 20th Century American Chippendale Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Watson Sterling Silver Hammered Tea Strainer No Monogram
Watson Sterling Silver Hammered Tea Strainer No Monogram

Watson Sterling Silver Hammered Tea Strainer No Monogram

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Watson of Attleboro, MA sterling silver tea strainer with hammered design. Marked: crown, W in

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

c. 1890-1920 Sterling Tea Strainer with Silver Plated Stand
c. 1890-1920 Sterling Tea Strainer with Silver Plated Stand

c. 1890-1920 Sterling Tea Strainer with Silver Plated Stand

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Sterling silver tea strainer with silver plated stand, American & English, c.1890-1920. The

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

Antique Shiebler Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Figural Poppy Flower Tea Strainer
Antique Shiebler Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Figural Poppy Flower Tea Strainer

Antique Shiebler Sterling Silver Art Nouveau Figural Poppy Flower Tea Strainer

By George W. Shiebler & Co.

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique American sterling silver figural tea strainer manufactured by George Shiebler & Co

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Asprey London Edwardian Sterling Silver Swivel Tea Strainer with Handle, England
Asprey London Edwardian Sterling Silver Swivel Tea Strainer with Handle, England

Asprey London Edwardian Sterling Silver Swivel Tea Strainer with Handle, England

By Asprey International Limited

Located in Montreal, QC

Asprey London unique antique solid sterling silver swivel tea strainer with drip bowl. The bowl

Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Lemon Strainer / Tea Strainer, London, 1922
Sterling Silver Lemon Strainer / Tea Strainer, London, 1922

Sterling Silver Lemon Strainer / Tea Strainer, London, 1922

By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.

Located in London, London

strainer, is in the style of a George II example. The lemon strainer measures 1.25"(3cm) tall, by 7"(18cm

Category

1920s English Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Jewel like Russian Cloisonne Enamel Tea Set
Jewel like Russian Cloisonne Enamel Tea Set

Jewel like Russian Cloisonne Enamel Tea Set

Located in Hopewell, NJ

saucers, 12 teaspoons, 12 tea strainer holders, a tea strainer and a round sugar bowl with a swing handle

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Enamel

19th Century French Silver and Vermeil 15 Pieces Tea Set in Box
19th Century French Silver and Vermeil 15 Pieces Tea Set in Box

19th Century French Silver and Vermeil 15 Pieces Tea Set in Box

Located in Delft, NL

spoon, tong with lion paws, and tea strainer. Complete set, all matching and beautifully kept in the

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Vermeil, Silver

Coalport Teapot England Early 19th Century Circa 1805
Coalport Teapot England Early 19th Century Circa 1805

Coalport Teapot England Early 19th Century Circa 1805

By Coalport Porcelain

Located in Katonah, NY

interior tea strainer at the base of the spout conform to the diamond shape noted on page 238. Condition

Category

Early 19th Century English Neoclassical Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Massive Cellini Sterling Tea and Coffee Service
Massive Cellini Sterling Tea and Coffee Service

Massive Cellini Sterling Tea and Coffee Service

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

10" H x 9" W x 5" D. Tea strainer and stand 6.75" W x 4.75" D x 3" H Covered sugar bowl 6.5" H x 6

Category

Late 19th Century Spanish Renaissance Revival Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Samuel Alcock Slop Bowl, Grey Striped with Flower Rococo Revival, circa 1845
Samuel Alcock Slop Bowl, Grey Striped with Flower Rococo Revival, circa 1845

Samuel Alcock Slop Bowl, Grey Striped with Flower Rococo Revival, circa 1845

By Samuel Alcock & Co.

Located in London, GB

part of every tea service; as people didn't use tea strainers yet, you would always have some tea

Category

1840s English Rococo Revival Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Antique George V 1910s Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Eight Persons
Antique George V 1910s Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Eight Persons

Antique George V 1910s Sterling Silver Canteen of Cutlery for Eight Persons

By Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co. Ltd.

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

spoon Tea strainer Sugar tongs This impressive service benefits from Fine and impressive solid

Category

1910s Great Britain (UK) Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Webster Sterling Silver Ball Tea Infuser/Strainer with Handle, No Monogram
Webster Sterling Silver Ball Tea Infuser/Strainer with Handle, No Monogram

Webster Sterling Silver Ball Tea Infuser/Strainer with Handle, No Monogram

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Webster sterling silver ball tea infuser/strainer with cut-out design handle. Marked: Sterling

Category

Early 20th Century American Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Davenport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Grey, Gilt and Roses, Rococo Revival, circa 1835
Davenport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Grey, Gilt and Roses, Rococo Revival, circa 1835

Davenport Porcelain Slop Bowl, Grey, Gilt and Roses, Rococo Revival, circa 1835

By Davenport Porcelain

Located in London, GB

didn't use tea strainers yet in the early 19th century, they would get tea leaves in their tea. If you

Category

1830s English Rococo Revival Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

Ridgway Porcelain Slop Bowl, Blue and Gilt Flowers, Regency ca 1825
Ridgway Porcelain Slop Bowl, Blue and Gilt Flowers, Regency ca 1825

Ridgway Porcelain Slop Bowl, Blue and Gilt Flowers, Regency ca 1825

By Ridgway Porcelain

Located in London, GB

served to collect the "slop"; this was a time before the tea strainer had been invented and people used

Category

1820s English Regency Antique Tea Strainers

Materials

Porcelain

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Antique Tea Strainers For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of antique tea strainers for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique antique tea strainers was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, silver and sterling silver. Antique tea strainers have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. There are many kinds of antique tea strainers to choose from, but at 1stDibs, Art Nouveau, Victorian and Art Deco antique tea strainers are of considerable interest. Many antique tea strainers are appealing in their simplicity, but Georg Jensen, Evald Nielsen and Grey & Co, Birmingham produced popular antique tea strainers that are worth a look.

How Much are Antique Tea Strainers?

Antique tea strainers can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $595, while the lowest priced sells for $95 and the highest can go for as much as $4,750.

Finding the Right Dining-entertaining for You

Your dining room table is a place where stories are shared and personalities shine — why not treat yourself and your guests to the finest antique and vintage glass, silver, ceramics and serveware for your meals?

Just like the people who sit around your table, your serveware has its own stories and will help you create new memories with your friends and loved ones. From ceramic pottery to glass vases, set your table with serving pieces that add even more personality, color and texture to your dining experience.

Invite serveware from around the world to join your table settings. For special occasions, dress up your plates with a striking Imari charger from 19th-century Japan or incorporate Richard Ginori’s Italian porcelain plates into your dining experience. Celebrate the English ritual of afternoon tea with a Japanese tea set and an antique Victorian kettle. No matter how big or small your dining area is, there is room for the stories of many cultures and varied histories, and there are plenty of ways to add pizzazz to your meals.

Add different textures and colors to your table with dinner plates and pitchers of ceramic and silver or a porcelain lidded tureen, a serving dish with side handles that is often used for soups. Although porcelain and ceramic are both made in a kiln, porcelain is made with more refined clay and is more durable than ceramic because it is denser. The latter is ideal for statement pieces — your tall mid-century modern ceramic vase is a guaranteed conversation starter. And while your earthenware or stoneware is maybe better suited to everyday lunches as opposed to the fine bone china you’ve reserved for a holiday meal, handcrafted studio pottery coffee mugs can still be a rich expression of your personal style.

“My motto is ‘Have fun with it,’” says author and celebrated hostess Stephanie Booth Shafran. “It’s yin and yang, high and low, Crate & Barrel with Christofle silver. I like to mix it up — sometimes in the dining room, sometimes on the kitchen banquette, sometimes in the loggia. It transports your guests and makes them feel more comfortable and relaxed.”

Introduce elegance at supper with silver, such as a platter from celebrated Massachusetts silversmith manufacturer Reed and Barton or a regal copper-finish flatware set designed by International Silver Company, another New England company that was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898. By then, Meriden had already earned the nickname “Silver City” for its position as a major hub of silver manufacturing.

At the bar, try a vintage wine cooler to keep bottles cool before serving or an Art Deco decanter and whiskey set for after-dinner drinks — there are many possibilities and no wrong answers for tableware, barware and serveware. Explore an expansive collection of antique and vintage glass, ceramics, silver and serveware today on 1stDibs.

Questions About Antique Tea Strainers
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A tea infuser is a container with small holes that lets you put tea inside and submerge it in water to steep. A tea strainer is a cup-shaped instrument with small holes that rests over a cup. Fill it with tea and pour hot water through to brew your tea. Tea infusers are better for teas that need a longer steeping time, while tea strainers are better for teas that need a shorter steeping time. Shop an array of tea infusers and strainers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 5, 2024
    To identify an antique tea set, look closely to determine who the manufacturer is. Locate the hallmark on the bottom of a saucer, teapot or cup. A maker’s mark on one of these items is the best indicator of the set’s origin. If you snap a photo with your smartphone or tablet, you can conduct a reverse image search to jump-start your research. Professionals recommend consulting auction catalogs, books and trusted online resources such as museum exhibition materials. With some research, you may be able to match the marking to the manufacturer's name and, from there, identify the pattern and age. 

    In 17th-century England, Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. Mass production of porcelain tea sets took place in the 18th century, and during the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England

    Reputable soft-paste porcelain makers include Sèvres, Capodimonte and Chelsea, while Meissen was the first European maker of hard-paste porcelain. Bone china manufactories of note include Spode, Minton and Derby, which was later called the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company.

    Generally, a tea set is considered vintage if it’s at least 20 years old, while antiques are at least 100 years old. Although a maker’s mark is generally a helpful indicator of a given manufacturer, forgeries have occurred over the years. Look for other signifiers of a material, time period or style if you are uncertain of your piece’s origin. For help with identification, seek out a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer.

    Find antique tea sets on 1stDibs.