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Vintage Buffalo China Tea Cup Pair in Sky Blue and Off White
Vintage Buffalo China Tea Cup Pair in Sky Blue and Off White

Vintage Buffalo China Tea Cup Pair in Sky Blue and Off White

By Buffalo Pottery

Located in Munster, IN

Adorably vintage, these sky blue and off-white tea cups (or small coffee mugs) are a perfect way to

Category

Late 20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export 19th Century Antique Sterling Silver 3-Piece Tea Set
Chinese Export 19th Century Antique Sterling Silver 3-Piece Tea Set

Chinese Export 19th Century Antique Sterling Silver 3-Piece Tea Set

By Luen Wo

Located in London, GB

A Chinese Export silver tea set, of circular form, comprising a teapot, sugar bowl and cream jug

Category

Antique 1890s Asian Chinese Export Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Set of Three Bone China Tea Cups with Pedestal Bottom, Saucers Early 1900s
Set of Three Bone China Tea Cups with Pedestal Bottom, Saucers Early 1900s

Set of Three Bone China Tea Cups with Pedestal Bottom, Saucers Early 1900s

Located in Petaluma, CA

These are three lovely French bone china tea cups with a pedestal bottom and their saucers. All

Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Limoges Bone China Tea Cups with Legs and Saucers, Set of Three, Early 1900s
Limoges Bone China Tea Cups with Legs and Saucers, Set of Three, Early 1900s

Limoges Bone China Tea Cups with Legs and Saucers, Set of Three, Early 1900s

Located in Petaluma, CA

This is a set of three lovely French Limoges bone china tea cups with pedestal bottom and matching

Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Italian Vintage China Tea Set, De Biagi RS Marino
Italian Vintage China Tea Set, De Biagi RS Marino

Italian Vintage China Tea Set, De Biagi RS Marino

Located in London, GB

A stunning vintage china tea set, made in the Republic of San Marino around the 1950’s. This

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Louis XV Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Vintage Royal Albert Bone China Tea Set and Plates Lady Carlyle Pattern 14 Pcs
Vintage Royal Albert Bone China Tea Set and Plates Lady Carlyle Pattern 14 Pcs

Vintage Royal Albert Bone China Tea Set and Plates Lady Carlyle Pattern 14 Pcs

By Royal Albert

Located in Wommelgem, VAN

Stunning English fabulous porcelain - Bone China Tea set from Royal Albert. Decorated with the much

Category

20th Century English Rococo Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Lovely Floral Fine China Tea Set for Six with Floral Brass Tray by Melton
Lovely Floral Fine China Tea Set for Six with Floral Brass Tray by Melton

Lovely Floral Fine China Tea Set for Six with Floral Brass Tray by Melton

Located in Palm Springs, CA

tea set. Most Melton China was made in the UK but in the 1950s some more made in Japan. This set is

Category

Vintage 1950s English British Colonial Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Contemporary Lou Rota London Flamingo Tea Set
Contemporary Lou Rota London Flamingo Tea Set

Contemporary Lou Rota London Flamingo Tea Set

Located in Toronto, ON

A chic fine bone china tea set with flamingos from Lou Rota, London. This sophisticated set

Category

2010s English Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service
Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service

Antique Chinese Export Silver Three Piece Tea Service

By Wang Hing & Co.

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

addition to our diverse silver teaware collection. This exceptional antique Chinese silver tea set

Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Coffee / Tea Set
Chinese Export Coffee / Tea Set

Chinese Export Coffee / Tea Set

Located in Dallas, TX

A set of monogrammed, GM, Chinese export porcelain with beautiful gilt border: Includes both coffee

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Export Silver Tea Set
Chinese Export Silver Tea Set

Chinese Export Silver Tea Set

By Gemwo

Located in London, GB

This charming bachelor size teaset was made in China for the Western Export market by Gemwo, circa

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

EXTENSIVE 18TH CENTURY CHILD'S TEA SET CHINESE EXPORT
EXTENSIVE 18TH CENTURY CHILD'S TEA SET CHINESE EXPORT

EXTENSIVE 18TH CENTURY CHILD'S TEA SET CHINESE EXPORT

Located in Essex, MA

Extensive Chinese Export Tea Service for a Child. Hera and Peacock Pattern. Often thought to be

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Tea Sets

Wileman Porcelain Tea Set, Chrysanthemum, Pastel Colors, Art Nouveau, 1896
Wileman Porcelain Tea Set, Chrysanthemum, Pastel Colors, Art Nouveau, 1896

Wileman Porcelain Tea Set, Chrysanthemum, Pastel Colors, Art Nouveau, 1896

By Wileman

Located in London, GB

most respected manufacturers of fine bone china tea sets in the late 19th and early 20th century, and

Category

Antique 1890s English Art Nouveau Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Export Silver 3 piece Tea Set c. 1800
Antique Chinese Export Silver 3 piece Tea Set c. 1800

Antique Chinese Export Silver 3 piece Tea Set c. 1800

Located in London, GB

A lovely Antique Chinese silver tea set comprising of a Teapot, Sugar Bowl and Milk / Cream Jug

Category

Antique Early 19th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Chinoserie Tea Set
Chinoserie Tea Set

Chinoserie Tea Set

Sold|$92 / set

Chinoserie Tea Set

Located in Chorzów, PL

Tea set. Damaged milk jug, as shown in the attached photos.  

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinese Chinoiserie Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Chinoserie Tea Set
Chinoserie Tea Set

Chinoserie Tea Set

Sold|$94 / set

Chinoserie Tea Set

Located in Chorzów, PL

Chinoserie tea set Very good condition.   

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinese Chinoiserie Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Hoaching, Canton, circa 1860
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Hoaching, Canton, circa 1860

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Hoaching, Canton, circa 1860

By Wo Hing Hoaching

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique mid-19th century Chinese Export solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of a teapot

Category

Antique 1860s Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Set of Three Early 20th Century Chinese Cast Iron Tea Pots
Set of Three Early 20th Century Chinese Cast Iron Tea Pots

Set of Three Early 20th Century Chinese Cast Iron Tea Pots

Located in Chicago, IL

Chinese tea connoisseurs believe that using high-quality materials and supplies enhance the flavor

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Tea Sets

Materials

Iron

20th Century Chinese Silver Cherry Blossom Tea Set, Chong Woo, circa 1900
20th Century Chinese Silver Cherry Blossom Tea Set, Chong Woo, circa 1900

20th Century Chinese Silver Cherry Blossom Tea Set, Chong Woo, circa 1900

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early 20th century Chinese export solid silver exquisite three-piece tea set, comprising of

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Hoaching, circa 1830
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Hoaching, circa 1830

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Hoaching, circa 1830

By Wo Hing Hoaching

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Description Antique 19th century Chinese Export exceptionally rare solid silver three-piece tea

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Chinese Export Tea Sets

Antique Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, Kwan Wo, circa 1900
Antique Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, Kwan Wo, circa 1900

Antique Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, Kwan Wo, circa 1900

By Kwan Wo

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early 20th century Chinese export solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of teapot

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Solid Silver Tea Set, Tu Mao Xing, Jiangxi, circa 1880
Antique Chinese Solid Silver Tea Set, Tu Mao Xing, Jiangxi, circa 1880

Antique Chinese Solid Silver Tea Set, Tu Mao Xing, Jiangxi, circa 1880

By Tu Mao Xing

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese Export solid silver three-piece tea set, comprising of a teapot, sugar

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, c.1890
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, c.1890

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, c.1890

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th Century Chinese Export solid silver four piece tea set, comprising of a coffee pot

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, circa 1890
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, circa 1890

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, circa 1890

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese Export solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of a teapot, sugar

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, circa 1890
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, circa 1890

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Tea Set, Woshing, Shanghai, circa 1890

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese Export solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of a teapot, sugar

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Wileman Tea for One Set, Red Floral Chains on Court Shape, Art Nouveau, 1906
Wileman Tea for One Set, Red Floral Chains on Court Shape, Art Nouveau, 1906

Wileman Tea for One Set, Red Floral Chains on Court Shape, Art Nouveau, 1906

By Shelley Pottery

Located in London, GB

the most respected manufacturers of fine bone china tea sets in the late 19th century, and many of

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Art Nouveau Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 19th Century Chinese Solid Silver Tea Set, Luen Wo, Shanghai, circa 1880
Antique 19th Century Chinese Solid Silver Tea Set, Luen Wo, Shanghai, circa 1880

Antique 19th Century Chinese Solid Silver Tea Set, Luen Wo, Shanghai, circa 1880

By Luen Wo

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique late 19th century Chinese Export solid silver four-piece tea service, comprising of a

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Three Piece Tea Set, c.1900
20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Three Piece Tea Set, c.1900

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Three Piece Tea Set, c.1900

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

20th Century Chinese export silver three piece tea set, comprising of teapot, lidded sugar bowl and

Category

20th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique 19th Century Chinese Exceptional Solid Silver Tea Set Gong He circa 1890
Antique 19th Century Chinese Exceptional Solid Silver Tea Set Gong He circa 1890

Antique 19th Century Chinese Exceptional Solid Silver Tea Set Gong He circa 1890

By Gong He

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Description Antique late-19th century Chinese solid silver three piece tea set, of traditional

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Chinese Export Solid Silver Three-Piece Dragon Tea Set, Ji Hua, circa 1910
Chinese Export Solid Silver Three-Piece Dragon Tea Set, Ji Hua, circa 1910

Chinese Export Solid Silver Three-Piece Dragon Tea Set, Ji Hua, circa 1910

By Ji Hua

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 20th century Chinese export solid silver three-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, circa 1890
Antique Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, circa 1890

Antique Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, circa 1890

By Tu Mao Xing

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese Export solid silver three-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, Wing Cheong, circa 1890
19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, Wing Cheong, circa 1890

19th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set, Wing Cheong, circa 1890

By Wing Cheong

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique late-19th century Chinese export solid silver three-piece tea set, comprising of teapot

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Solid Silver Three-Piece Tea Set, Bao Cheng, Tianjin, circa 1900
Antique Chinese Solid Silver Three-Piece Tea Set, Bao Cheng, Tianjin, circa 1900

Antique Chinese Solid Silver Three-Piece Tea Set, Bao Cheng, Tianjin, circa 1900

By Bao Cheng

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 20th century Chinese rare and unusual solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Kangxi Chinese Lait Famille Verte Tea Set Bird Butterfly, 18th Century
Antique Kangxi Chinese Lait Famille Verte Tea Set Bird Butterfly, 18th Century

Antique Kangxi Chinese Lait Famille Verte Tea Set Bird Butterfly, 18th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

flowers. Both marked at the base. Rare set! Chinese café au lait porcelain is a type of Chinese porcelain

Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Qing Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Solid Silver Large Dragon Five-Piece Tea Set, Zeesung circa 1910
Antique Chinese Solid Silver Large Dragon Five-Piece Tea Set, Zeesung circa 1910

Antique Chinese Solid Silver Large Dragon Five-Piece Tea Set, Zeesung circa 1910

By Zeeshun

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

piece is hallmarked with Chinese silver marks (acid tested they show a 900+ standard purity), tea set

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Aynsley China Tea Service
Aynsley China Tea Service

Aynsley China Tea Service

Located in Cheshire, GB

Aynsley tea service painted with fruit by D. Jones with gilt interiors comprising; teapot, sugar

Category

Mid-20th Century British Tea Sets

Antique 19th Century, Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set
Antique 19th Century, Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set

Antique 19th Century, Chinese Export Tu Mao Xing Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set

By Tu Mao Xing

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 19th century Chinese export solid silver three piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique 20thC Chinese Solid Silver 3 Piece Tea Set On Tray c.1910
Antique 20thC Chinese Solid Silver 3 Piece Tea Set On Tray c.1910

Antique 20thC Chinese Solid Silver 3 Piece Tea Set On Tray c.1910

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early-20th Century rare Chinese solid silver impressive tea service on tray, comprising of

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Chinese Armorial Tea Bowl Porcelain China Flowers, ca 1800
Antique Chinese Armorial Tea Bowl Porcelain China Flowers, ca 1800

Antique Chinese Armorial Tea Bowl Porcelain China Flowers, ca 1800

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Very nice gold decorated armorial tea bowl. We are still working to identify the arms. The paste

Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Chinese Export Silver Dragon Tea Set by Wang Hing, circa 1890
19th Century Chinese Export Silver Dragon Tea Set by Wang Hing, circa 1890

19th Century Chinese Export Silver Dragon Tea Set by Wang Hing, circa 1890

By Wang Hing & Co.

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique late 19th century Chinese export solid silver three-piece tea set, comprising of teapot

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set Cheong Shing, circa 1910
20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set Cheong Shing, circa 1910

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Dragon Tea Set Cheong Shing, circa 1910

By Cheong Shing

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique 20th century Chinese export solid silver four-piece tea set, comprising of teapot, sugar

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique 20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Three-Piece Tea Set on Tray
Antique 20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Three-Piece Tea Set on Tray

Antique 20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Three-Piece Tea Set on Tray

By Tuck Chang & Co.

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early 20th century Chinese export solid silver three piece tea set on tray, comprising of

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

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

services (it is very rare to have a complete set including the tea caddy), by one of the greatest Chinese

Category

Antique 1880s Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Vintage Art Deco Hall China Company Rhythm Teapot Scarlet Orange Streamline Mode
Vintage Art Deco Hall China Company Rhythm Teapot Scarlet Orange Streamline Mode

Vintage Art Deco Hall China Company Rhythm Teapot Scarlet Orange Streamline Mode

By Hall China

Located in Palm Desert, CA

The Rhythm teapot design debuted in 1939. This example, identified by its backstamp, is a later production. Originally featuring gold detailing with upper drape accents, it was later...

Category

Vintage 1930s North American Streamlined Moderne Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Qianlong Armorial Tea Bowl Chinese Porcelain, China, 18th Century
Antique Qianlong Armorial Tea Bowl Chinese Porcelain, China, 18th Century

Antique Qianlong Armorial Tea Bowl Chinese Porcelain, China, 18th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 18th century Decoration Type / Colour: Armorial

Category

Antique 18th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 19thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Four Piece Tea Set, Wang Hing c.1880
Antique 19thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Four Piece Tea Set, Wang Hing c.1880

Antique 19thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Four Piece Tea Set, Wang Hing c.1880

By Wang Hing & Co.

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique late 19th Century Chinese solid silver four piece tea and coffee service comprising a

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Other Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Art Deco Aynsley Bone China Butterfly Tea Set 1920s
Antique Art Deco Aynsley Bone China Butterfly Tea Set 1920s

Antique Art Deco Aynsley Bone China Butterfly Tea Set 1920s

Located in London, GB

An exquisite, rare, and highly collectible 1920s Tea set with a bright sunshine yellow trim with a

Category

Vintage 1920s English Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

18th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Pot
18th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Pot

18th Century Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Pot

Located in Katonah, NY

This 18th century Chinese export tea pot was painted in Famille rose colors during the Qianlong

Category

Antique Late 18th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Four Piece Tea Set, Singfat c.1900
Antique 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Four Piece Tea Set, Singfat c.1900

Antique 20thC Chinese Export Solid Silver Four Piece Tea Set, Singfat c.1900

By Sing Fat

Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Antique early-20th Century Chinese export solid silver four piece tea set, comprising of a coffee

Category

20th Century Chinese Other Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Minton Haddon Hall 11 Pieces Tea Set Bone China Porcelain
Minton Haddon Hall 11 Pieces Tea Set Bone China Porcelain

Minton Haddon Hall 11 Pieces Tea Set Bone China Porcelain

By Minton

Located in Paris, FR

This tea set is composed of 11 pieces: 1 teapot, 1 sugar bowl, 1 milk pot, and 8 teacups and with

Category

Early 20th Century English Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

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China Tea Sets For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of China tea sets is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of ceramic, porcelain and metal, all China tea sets available were constructed with great care. We have 385 antique and vintage China tea sets in-stock, while there are 20 modern editions to choose from as well. China tea sets have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 21st Century. modern, Art Deco and mid-century modern China tea sets are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made China tea sets over the years, but those made by Seletti, Wang Hing & Co. and Shelley Pottery are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are China Tea Sets?

Prices for China tea sets can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, China tea sets begin at $15 and can go as high as $658,960, while the average can fetch as much as $576.

Finding the Right Tea Sets for You

Ready to serve high tea and brunch for your family and friends? Start with the right antique, new or vintage tea set.

Tea is a multicultural, multinational beverage and isn’t confined to any particular lifestyle or age group. It has humble beginnings, and one of its best-known origin stories places the first cups of tea in 2700 B.C. in China, where it was recognized for its medicinal properties. Jump ahead to 17th-century England, when Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. During the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England. Today, more than 150 million people reportedly drink tea daily in the United States.

Early tea drinkers enjoyed their beverage in a bowl, and English potters eventually added a handle to the porcelain bowls so that burning your fingers became less of a teatime hazard. With the rise in the popularity of teatime, tea sets, also referred to as tea service, became a hot commodity.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, teakettles and coffeepots were added to tea services that were quite large — indeed, small baked goods were served with your drink back then, and a tea set could include many teacups and saucers, a milk pot and other accessories.

During the early 1920s, a sterling-silver full tea service and tray designed by Tiffany & Co. might include a hot-water kettle on a stand, a coffeepot, teapot, a creamer with a small lip spout, a waste bowl and a bowl for sugar, which the British were stirring into tea as early as the 18th century.

But you don’t have to limit your tea set to Victorian or Art Deco styles — shake up teatime with an artful contemporary service. If the bold porcelain cups and saucers by Italian brand Seletti are too unconventional for your otherwise subdued tea circle, find antique services on 1stDibs from Japan, France and other locales as well as vintage mid-century modern tea sets and neoclassical designs.

Questions About China Tea Sets
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The term bone china means porcelain dinnerware and serveware made of a mix of bone ash, kaolin clay and feldspathic material. It has a translucent look that works well with highly detailed painted finishes. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of bone china.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021
    A set of china refers to a set of tableware. Porcelain, a durable and nonporous kind of pottery made from clay and stone, was first made in China and spread across the world owing to the trade routes to the Far East established by Dutch and Portuguese merchants. Given its origin, English speakers called porcelain “fine china,” an expression you still might hear today. "Fine" indeed — for over a thousand years, it has been a highly sought-after material. A set of china is likely to include dinner plates, bread plates, cups and other items. Find antique and vintage china on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Bavaria tea set is a tea set that was crafted in the Bavaria region of Germany. This region is renowned for its exceptionally fine porcelain. Pieces are often painted by hand, giving each one a unique style. Shop a range of Bavaria tea sets from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
    There are many types of tea sets available. You may wish to have a small tea service if your needs are modest. During Queen Victoria’s reign, teakettles and coffeepots were added to tea services that were quite large — indeed, small baked goods were served with your drink back then, and a tea set could include many teacups and saucers, a milk pot and other accessories.A tea set best suited for you may depend on a variety of factors. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage tea sets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    The value of China depends on the brand as well as the age of the set. Antique pieces from certain companies such as Lenox or Welmar, particularly if they are rare, will be of higher value than newer items from a brand that engages in mass production.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A Japanese teapot is called a kyusus, while the everyday drinking glasses for tea are called yunomi. For more formal occasions, a chawan tea bowl is used. You can shop a range of antique and vintage Japanese tea sets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To identify vintage tea sets, first determine who the maker is. Locate the brand stamp or hallmark on one of the pieces. If you snap a photo with your smartphone or tablet, you can conduct a reverse image search to jump-start your research. By using trusted online resources, you can match the marking to the manufacturer's name and, from there, identify the pattern and age. Generally, a tea set must have been produced between 20 and 99 years ago to be considered vintage. For help with identification, seek out a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find a selection of vintage tea sets on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The pieces in a silver tea set vary. Most sets include at least four pieces: a spirit burner, a teapot, a cream pitcher and a sugar bowl. Some sets also contain a matching coffee pot or a small serving spoon for the sugar bowl. Find a range of antique and vintage silver tea sets 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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021
    The value of a sterling silver tea set is based on age, maker, and the pieces included. A set can start at $1,000, but the value can be a wide range. If it is sterling, it should have a hallmark of .925. This indicates that the piece is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper alloy. The more pieces in the set, the more it is likely to be worth in some cases. Find a collection of antique and vintage sterling silver tea sets on 1stDibs today.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    To know how much your tea set is worth, you can consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert or research it on your own. If you opt for the latter option, start by using trusted online resources to determine who the set's maker is. Typically, you can use markings that commonly appear on the bottoms of teapots, saucers, teacups and other pieces. Once you know the maker, you can examine sales and auction records to see how much sets similar to yours have fetched in the past. Characteristics to consider when investigating comparable sets include the type and number of pieces yours includes, as well as the materials, pattern, age and condition. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of tea sets.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Silver is a chemically non-reactive metal, so as long as the tea set is clean and has been properly cared for, it is safe to use. However, silver is an excellent conductor of heat, so be careful not to burn your lips or tongue whilst drinking tea. Shop a collection of authentic silver tea sets from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Silver tea sets can range in value depending on a variety of factors. A silver-plated tea set is not usually very high value, though certain pieces and who the maker is plays a large role. A sterling silver set can be worth at least $1000.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    A basic sterling silver tea set costs around $1,000. However, the older the set is, the more expensive it will be. Some antique silver tea sets are worth up to $400,000.