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French Porcelain Tea Sets

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French Restauration Period Paris Porcelain Tea Set, Hand-Painted Gilded Accents
French Restauration Period Paris Porcelain Tea Set, Hand-Painted Gilded Accents

French Restauration Period Paris Porcelain Tea Set, Hand-Painted Gilded Accents

By Porcelaine de Paris

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This refined 20-piece French porcelain tea set was crafted in Paris during the Restauration period

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Art Nouveau Tea Set Limoges Porcelain French A. Lanternier Floral Decor 15 Pcs
Art Nouveau Tea Set Limoges Porcelain French A. Lanternier Floral Decor 15 Pcs

Art Nouveau Tea Set Limoges Porcelain French A. Lanternier Floral Decor 15 Pcs

By A. Lanternier & Co. Limoges, Dresden Porcelain, Limoges, Limoges Elite Porcelain 1

Located in Wommelgem, VAN

French Limoges porcelain tea set. Style and period: Art Nouveau, Antique Design: Alfred Lanternier

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Paris Porcelain Tea Set
Paris Porcelain Tea Set

Paris Porcelain Tea Set

Located in New Orleans, LA

Fabulous Porcelain Tea Set

Category

Antique 19th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Porcelain Tea Service Set
Vintage Porcelain Tea Service Set

Vintage Porcelain Tea Service Set

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

Rovina family from Épinal, north-eastern France – renowned makers of earthenware, porcelain and crystal

Category

Mid-20th Century French Restauration Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Paris Porcelain Restauration Style Tea Set, France, Circa 1880
Paris Porcelain Restauration Style Tea Set, France, Circa 1880

Paris Porcelain Restauration Style Tea Set, France, Circa 1880

Located in PARIS, FR

Charming Restauration style Paris porcelain tea set with red and gold Amati background, composed of

Category

Antique 1880s French Restauration Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

French Porcelain Tete a Tete Tea Set Circa 1875
French Porcelain Tete a Tete Tea Set Circa 1875

French Porcelain Tete a Tete Tea Set Circa 1875

Located in Lambertville, NJ

Elegant 19th century porcelain in white gold and crimson raspberry. The teapot with lid, sugar bowl

Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set.
Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set.

Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set.

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

" Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set. " Porcelain tea or coffee service, composed of 4 cups and

Category

20th Century French Louis XV Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Limoges France Demitasse Tea Cup and Saucers Set Porcelain 1930
Limoges France Demitasse Tea Cup and Saucers Set Porcelain 1930

Limoges France Demitasse Tea Cup and Saucers Set Porcelain 1930

By Limoges

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Limoges France Tea or coffee Cups and Saucers Set Porcelain circa 1930. Limoges French set of 4 tea

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XIV Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service
Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service

Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service

Located in Washington, DC

Set of porcelain de Paris coffee & tea service - eighteen (18) pieces. Made famous during the

Category

Antique 19th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique French Sèvres Style Cobalt Blue Gold Gilt Jewelled Porcelain Tea Set Ser
Antique French Sèvres Style Cobalt Blue Gold Gilt Jewelled Porcelain Tea Set Ser

Antique French Sèvres Style Cobalt Blue Gold Gilt Jewelled Porcelain Tea Set Ser

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in London, GB

Antique French Sèvres Style Cobalt Blue Gold Gilt Jewelled Porcelain Tea Set Service French, Late

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Sarreguemines Porcelain Minton Tea/Coffee Set, End 19th C.
Sarreguemines Porcelain Minton Tea/Coffee Set, End 19th C.

Sarreguemines Porcelain Minton Tea/Coffee Set, End 19th C.

By Sarreguemines

Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR

This beautiful Minton-pattern tea and coffee set by Sarreguemines captures the charm and elegance

Category

Antique 1890s French Napoleon III Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Limoges Porcelain Tea Set with Landscape Scenes, circa 1950
Limoges Porcelain Tea Set with Landscape Scenes, circa 1950

Limoges Porcelain Tea Set with Landscape Scenes, circa 1950

Located in New York, NY

This refined Limoges porcelain tea set features a full service for eight, including eight cups with

Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Empire Old Paris porcelain tea and coffee set
19th Century Empire Old Paris porcelain tea and coffee set

19th Century Empire Old Paris porcelain tea and coffee set

Located in Delft, NL

porcelain coffee, tea set with green painted French country scenes and gold paint. The gold paint shows some

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

French porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 10 People
French porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 10 People

French porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 10 People

Located in Beuzevillette, FR

Nice coffee or tea service from the first half of the 20th century for 10 people. Beautiful

Category

Early 20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Five-Piece Paris Porcelain Miniature Tea Set, circa 1820
Five-Piece Paris Porcelain Miniature Tea Set, circa 1820

Five-Piece Paris Porcelain Miniature Tea Set, circa 1820

Located in New York, NY

Consisting of pot, covered sugar, creamer and two cups and saucers.

Category

Antique 1820s French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage ULIM Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set – 41 Pieces
Vintage ULIM Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set – 41 Pieces

Vintage ULIM Limoges Porcelain Tea and Coffee Set – 41 Pieces

By ULIM Limoges

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This beautiful 41-piece tea and coffee set is part of the ULIM collection, a classic and highly

Category

20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Painted Porcelain Tea Set Signed Edouard Marcel Sandoz for Theodore Haviland
Painted Porcelain Tea Set Signed Edouard Marcel Sandoz for Theodore Haviland

Painted Porcelain Tea Set Signed Edouard Marcel Sandoz for Theodore Haviland

By Theodore Haviland, Edouard-Marcel Sandoz

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Painted porcelain tea set signed Edouard-Marcel Sandoz for Theodore Haviland Limoges. Art Deco

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Sèvres Blue and Gold Porcelain Tea Set by Émile Grisard, 19th Century
Sèvres Blue and Gold Porcelain Tea Set by Émile Grisard, 19th Century

Sèvres Blue and Gold Porcelain Tea Set by Émile Grisard, 19th Century

By E. Grisard 1, Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Lisbon, PT

France’s most esteemed porcelain factories. The set includes a gracefully curved teapot and two matching

Category

Antique 19th Century French Rococo Revival Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Old Paris Porcelain Gilt & Floral Enamel Hand Painted Coffee & Tea Service Set
Old Paris Porcelain Gilt & Floral Enamel Hand Painted Coffee & Tea Service Set

Old Paris Porcelain Gilt & Floral Enamel Hand Painted Coffee & Tea Service Set

By Old Paris

Located in Atlanta, GA

A refined hand-painted porcelain tea service crafted in France, showcasing delicate artistry and

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Tea Sets

Materials

Enamel

Paris Porcelain Tea Service, circa 1860
Paris Porcelain Tea Service, circa 1860

Paris Porcelain Tea Service, circa 1860

Located in New York, NY

Comprising 2 pots, creamer (handle restored), covered sugar (finial restored), and 8 cups and saucers.

Category

Antique 1860s French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain.
French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain.

French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain.

Located in København, Copenhagen

French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain. Tea pot and sugar bowl along with one cup

Category

Vintage 1930s French Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain.
French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain.

French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain.

Located in København, Copenhagen

French dolls dinnerware/childrens tea set in porcelain. Six cups with matching saucers. Gold rim

Category

Vintage 1930s French Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century French Neoclassical Vieux Paris 33 Pc. Tea Set
19th Century French Neoclassical Vieux Paris 33 Pc. Tea Set

19th Century French Neoclassical Vieux Paris 33 Pc. Tea Set

Located in Dallas, TX

19th century French Neoclassical Vieux Paris 33 pc. Tea Set is a wonderful example of fine French

Category

Antique 1890s French Neoclassical Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Puiforcat (Hermes), Christofle, Faberge - 5pc. French 950 Sterling Tea Set
Puiforcat (Hermes), Christofle, Faberge - 5pc. French 950 Sterling Tea Set

Puiforcat (Hermes), Christofle, Faberge - 5pc. French 950 Sterling Tea Set

By Fabergé, Limoges, Christofle Cardeilhac 1, Puiforcat

Located in Wilmington, DE

Direct from Paris, a Stunning 5pc. Antique French 950 Sterling Silver Tea Set by the World's

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Tea Sets

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Set of 5 French Victorian Porcelain Floral Teacups
Set of 5 French Victorian Porcelain Floral Teacups

Set of 5 French Victorian Porcelain Floral Teacups

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 5 French Victorian white porcelain tea cups and saucers with pink and green floral

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12
Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12

Haviland Limoges Gilt Porcelain Coffee / Tea Service for 12

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Late 20th century Haviland, Limoges France gilt porcelain tea / coffee service for twelve people

Category

Late 20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Raynaud Limoges 23-Piece Porcelain Tea & Coffee Service with Gold Trim
Raynaud Limoges 23-Piece Porcelain Tea & Coffee Service with Gold Trim

Raynaud Limoges 23-Piece Porcelain Tea & Coffee Service with Gold Trim

By Limoges

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

in green, this set dates to the mid-20th century. The porcelain’s luminous white finish, combined

Category

20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Gallo Tea Set "Lombardia Apricot" - Vintage 23 Pieces
Gallo Tea Set "Lombardia Apricot" - Vintage 23 Pieces

Gallo Tea Set "Lombardia Apricot" - Vintage 23 Pieces

Located in Bastogne, BE

This charming vintage tea set from Gallo, featuring the "Lombardia Apricot" pattern, is a

Category

Mid-20th Century German French Provincial Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Tea Service with Rich Gilt Decoration
Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Tea Service with Rich Gilt Decoration

Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Tea Service with Rich Gilt Decoration

By Porcelaine de Paris

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This refined Paris porcelain tea service dates from the early 19th-century and beautifully reflects

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Set of 3 French Victorian Pink Porcelain Teacups and Saucers
Set of 3 French Victorian Pink Porcelain Teacups and Saucers

Set of 3 French Victorian Pink Porcelain Teacups and Saucers

Located in Queens, NY

Set of 3 French Victorian pink and white porcelain tea cups and saucers with floral medallion

Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Tea Sets

Four Gilded Age Mansard, Paris Sevres Style Porcelain Tea Services
Four Gilded Age Mansard, Paris Sevres Style Porcelain Tea Services

Four Gilded Age Mansard, Paris Sevres Style Porcelain Tea Services

By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

Located in Sharon, CT

Each service comprised of a cup, saucer and dessert plate. 12 pieces in all. All hand painted in 24 Ct. gold by the Paris firm Mansard c. 1890. Blanks most likely Sevres. Cup handles...

Category

Antique 1890s French Belle Époque Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set
Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set

Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set

By Limoges

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Art deco Limoges porcelain coffee set Complete coffee set for 12 people 40 pieces in total Art deco

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Cartier - Porcelain Tableware Coffee Set Maison Venitienne - 8 People
Cartier - Porcelain Tableware Coffee Set Maison Venitienne - 8 People

Cartier - Porcelain Tableware Coffee Set Maison Venitienne - 8 People

By Limoges, Cartier

Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR

Coffee Set "La Maison Venitienne" made in Limoges porcelain by Cartier in 1989. All pieces are

Category

Vintage 1980s French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Haviland Limoges Tea Set with 24k Gold & Orientalist Frieze, c.1900
Haviland Limoges Tea Set with 24k Gold & Orientalist Frieze, c.1900

Haviland Limoges Tea Set with 24k Gold & Orientalist Frieze, c.1900

By Haviland & Co.

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This elegant Haviland Limoges porcelain tea set is a refined example of early 20th-century French

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Set of Six Paris Porcelain Angel Wing Cups
Set of Six Paris Porcelain Angel Wing Cups

Set of Six Paris Porcelain Angel Wing Cups

By Limoges

Located in New York, NY

Set of six Paris Porcelain angel wing cups. Vintage set of six large cups and saucers of classical

Category

Early 20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

12-Piece Porcelain Tea Set - Limoges - White and Gold
12-Piece Porcelain Tea Set - Limoges - White and Gold

12-Piece Porcelain Tea Set - Limoges - White and Gold

By Limoges

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

A beautiful porcelain tea set, made by the French brand Limoges. Classic design, fine white

Category

Vintage 1930s French Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

White and Brown Design Porcelain Tea Pot by Laroussinie for Virebent, 1970
White and Brown Design Porcelain Tea Pot by Laroussinie for Virebent, 1970

White and Brown Design Porcelain Tea Pot by Laroussinie for Virebent, 1970

By Jacques Laroussinie

Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR

porcelain ceramic tea pot. Original perfect condition Signed under the base Measures: Height 20 cm

Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

20th century White Limoges Porcelain Tea set by Bernardaud, 1930s
20th century White Limoges Porcelain Tea set by Bernardaud, 1930s

20th century White Limoges Porcelain Tea set by Bernardaud, 1930s

By Bernardaud

Located in LEGNY, FR

Elegant Limoges Porcelain Tea Set by Bernardaud – Gold Trimmed Refined and timeless, this

Category

Vintage 1930s French Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Boin-Taburet & Faberge, - 8pc. 950 Sterling Tea Set + 6 Faberge Espresso Cups
Boin-Taburet & Faberge, - 8pc. 950 Sterling Tea Set + 6 Faberge Espresso Cups

Boin-Taburet & Faberge, - 8pc. 950 Sterling Tea Set + 6 Faberge Espresso Cups

By Boin-Taburet

Located in Wilmington, DE

Direct from Paris, A Magnificent 8-piece Sterling Silver Tea Set by one of France's Premier French

Category

Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tea set blue color, 23 pieces, France, 1970
Tea set blue color, 23 pieces, France, 1970

Tea set blue color, 23 pieces, France, 1970

Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR

Important 23-piece blue glazed ceramic tea set, made in France around the 1970s. The set is

Category

Vintage 1970s French Neoclassical Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

Birks Limoges, Gilt Porcelain Cream/Sugar/Tray, France, Mid-20th Century
Birks Limoges, Gilt Porcelain Cream/Sugar/Tray, France, Mid-20th Century

Birks Limoges, Gilt Porcelain Cream/Sugar/Tray, France, Mid-20th Century

By Henry Birks & Son, Limoges

Located in Chatham, ON

BIRKS (Retailer) LIMOGES (Manufacturer) - Vintage hand painted gilt porcelain cream & sugar with

Category

Mid-20th Century French French Provincial Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Basse Cour by Pierre Frey Set of Cup and 2 Saucers, Limoges Porcelain
Basse Cour by Pierre Frey Set of Cup and 2 Saucers, Limoges Porcelain

Basse Cour by Pierre Frey Set of Cup and 2 Saucers, Limoges Porcelain

By Jean-Pierre Frey

Located in Clifton Springs, NY

Cup and saucers in Basse Cour pattern by Pierre Frey were made in France by Porcelaine de Limoges

Category

Late 20th Century French Country Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Limoges Porcelain Teapot, 1950s
Limoges Porcelain Teapot, 1950s

Limoges Porcelain Teapot, 1950s

By Limoges

Located in Roma, IT

in France. Original fine Limoges Porcelain with golden decoration. The decoration reproduces an

Category

Vintage 1950s French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Fabergé Porcelain Tea, Coffee Cups Set of Four in a Velvet Case
Fabergé Porcelain Tea, Coffee Cups Set of Four in a Velvet Case

Fabergé Porcelain Tea, Coffee Cups Set of Four in a Velvet Case

By Modern Fabergé

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Fine porcelain set of four Fabergé original porcelain coffee or tea cups, service for four. Enjoy

Category

Late 20th Century French Empire Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century French, Boudois & Bloch Floral Gold-Trimmed Cup & Saucer Set
19th Century French, Boudois & Bloch Floral Gold-Trimmed Cup & Saucer Set

19th Century French, Boudois & Bloch Floral Gold-Trimmed Cup & Saucer Set

Located in Atlanta, GA

An exquisite example of 19th-century French porcelain artistry, this luxurious cup and saucer set

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Belle Époque Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

41-Piece 19th Century Vieux-Paris Coffee & Tea Service
41-Piece 19th Century Vieux-Paris Coffee & Tea Service

41-Piece 19th Century Vieux-Paris Coffee & Tea Service

Located in Dallas, TX

41-Piece 19th century Vieux-Paris coffee & tea service is a stunning collection that will let you

Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of Five 19th-Century Samson Paris Polychrome Cups & Saucers
Set of Five 19th-Century Samson Paris Polychrome Cups & Saucers

Set of Five 19th-Century Samson Paris Polychrome Cups & Saucers

By Samson & Cie

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This refined set of five porcelain cups and saucers originates from the renowned Maison Samson

Category

Antique 19th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Limoges Coffee Set for 12 in Blue and Gold, Early 20th Century
Limoges Coffee Set for 12 in Blue and Gold, Early 20th Century

Limoges Coffee Set for 12 in Blue and Gold, Early 20th Century

By Limoges

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

which French porcelain is celebrated. Comprising twelve demitasse cups with matching saucers, the set

Category

20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century Set of Four Samson Paris Polychrome Demitasse Cups & Saucers
19th Century Set of Four Samson Paris Polychrome Demitasse Cups & Saucers

19th Century Set of Four Samson Paris Polychrome Demitasse Cups & Saucers

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

French porcelain or lovers of refined decorative tableware. Crafted around 1880–1900, these pieces

Category

Antique 19th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Théodore Haviland Coffee Set, Retailed by Rouard Paris, Late 19th Century
Théodore Haviland Coffee Set, Retailed by Rouard Paris, Late 19th Century

Théodore Haviland Coffee Set, Retailed by Rouard Paris, Late 19th Century

By Theodore Haviland

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

A rare French porcelain coffee service, signed Théodore Haviland and retailed by Rouard Paris

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

French Empire "Tête a Tête" Service
French Empire "Tête a Tête" Service

French Empire "Tête a Tête" Service

Located in Great Barrington, MA

bright gold. Each piece is similarly decorated in the elegant French Empire style and period with figural

Category

Antique 19th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paste

Napoleon III Style Porcelain de Paris Coffee Set 8 Pieces Gilt Floral Decoration
Napoleon III Style Porcelain de Paris Coffee Set 8 Pieces Gilt Floral Decoration

Napoleon III Style Porcelain de Paris Coffee Set 8 Pieces Gilt Floral Decoration

By Porcelaine de Paris

Located in Prato, Tuscany

technical information to ensure the authenticity of our pieces. Elegant and refined French porcelain coffee

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

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French Porcelain Tea Sets For Sale on 1stDibs

An assortment of French porcelain tea sets is available at 1stDibs. Frequently made of ceramic, porcelain and metal, all French porcelain tea sets available were constructed with great care. There are 84 antique and vintage French porcelain tea sets for sale at 1stDibs, while we also have 24 modern editions to choose from as well. French porcelain tea sets have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 18th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 21st Century. Modern, Empire and Art Deco French porcelain tea sets are consistently popular styles. Many French porcelain tea sets are appealing in their simplicity, but Marie Burgos Design, Limoges and Hermès produced popular French porcelain tea sets that are worth a look.

How Much are French Porcelain Tea Sets?

French porcelain tea sets can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $1,434, while the lowest priced sells for $49 and the highest can go for as much as $168,500.

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 French Porcelain Tea Sets
  • 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.