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Tea Sets

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Tea Sets For Sale
Corona Set of 2 Gold Tea Cups with Saucers
Located in Milan, IT
This opulent set of two tea cups with saucers will make a sophisticated addition to an afternoon break. Fashioned of white ceramic, each piece is marked by an elegant gold rim.
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Victoria Complete Tea Set by Bethan Gray
Located in Milan, IT
This exquisite set is inspired by the classic British tradition of afternoon tea and created using a combination of noble materials: marble and brass. The set includes a sugar bowl, ...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Marble, Brass

Victoria Teapot by Bethan Gray
Located in Milan, IT
Part of the Victoria collection that celebrates the ritual of enjoying tea in the afternoon, this piece reinterprets the iconic teapot luxuriously and sumptuously, crafting a handmad...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Marble, Brass

Samuel Alcock Porcelain Solitaire Tea Set, Cobalt Blue, Gilt, Landscapes, ca1825
Located in London, GB
A solitaire tea set consisting of a teapot with cover on a stand and a trio consisting of a teacup, a coffee cup and a saucer, in “half orange” shape with deep cobalt blue and yellow...
Category

1820s English Regency Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Coffee Service by Ana Maria Nunez De Brilanti for Plateria Victoria, Mexico 1960
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the remarkable Copper & Silver Coffee/Tea Service by Ana Maria Nunez De Brilanti for Plateria Victoria, Mexico 1960's. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Mexican cr...
Category

1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate, Copper

Hazel Atlas Pastel Moderntone Platonite Coffee Tea Cups - Set of Four
Located in Munster, IN
Adorably vintage... this set of four tea cups is ready to bring their pastel vibes into your home. We love the iconic colors: pink, green, yellow and blue in light but saturated hues...
Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Glass

Samuel Alcock Tearcup Trio, Maroon, Yellow, Gilt and Fine Landscapes, ca 1845
Located in London, GB
A true trio consisting of a teacup, a coffee cup and a saucer, “rustic bean” shape, in deep maroon and pale yellow ground, with gilt and finely painted landscape reserves Pattern 95...
Category

1840s English Rococo Revival Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

1940s Art Deco Set of Three Alpaca Coffee Pot By Krupp Designed by Gio Ponti
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A set of three alpaca coffee pot designed by Gio Ponti and manufactured by Krupp Milano in the Forties, they were used in the hotels and they are marked on the bottom Krupp and Jolly...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Alpaca

22-Piece Colorful Ceramic Breakfast Set by Italo Casini, Sesto Fiorentino
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This set was designed by Italo Casini. It's made in enameled and golden ceramic. The set is incomplete. There are - Teapot 24 x 11.5 h 19 cm ; - Sugar bowl...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

1930s Wedgwood Lustreware Tea Cups & Saucers, Set of 6
Located in Stamford, CT
Set of six 1930s Wedgwood lusterware tea cups and saucers. Overall silver floral motif on bone China background. Set includes 6 tea cups and 6 saucers, 12 pieces total. Each piece i...
Category

1930s English Edwardian Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Kangxi Revival Chinese Porcelain Tea Bowl & Dish Parsley Kangxi Marked, 19th Cen
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Cup and saucer. They are made in the style of the well known Kangxi period items but are of later 19th century. Kangxi marked but of later period. Additional information: Material: ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Robj Glazed Earthenware Tea Set, Art Deco
Located in Lisbon, PT
A tête à tête tea set in green, each stamped Import de/ Robj / Paris / Luxembourg. Red labels on the base with the Evaluator assessment. Set: 2...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

Brass & Stone Inlay by Justo "Coco" Castillo for Los Castillo, Mexico 1950's
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Introducing the exquisite Brass & Stone Inlay by Justo Lucio Castillo for Los Castillo, Mexico, a true testament to the artistry of 1960's design. This meticulously crafted set of te...
Category

1950s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Brass

Samuel Alcock Porcelain Teacup, White with Flower Sprays, ca 1823
Located in London, GB
A teacup and saucer in the “half orange” shape, white with simple gilt rim and beautiful hand painted flower sprays Pattern unknown but similar to 1082 Year: ca 1823 Size: cup diameter 10cm (4”), saucer diameter 14.2cm (5.5”) Condition: excellent, some rubbing to gilt There are several items available in this design, please see group image and ask for more info if interested. The Samuel Alcock factory was operative in Staffordshire between 1822 and 1856, after which it was bought by Sir James Duke and Nephews. The factory started as a partnership between the young Samuel Alcock and the older Ralph Stevenson, who provided the factory and capital. Alcock quickly took the factory to great heights, building one of the biggest factories of its time. Alcock jumped on the new Rococo Revival fashion and served a huge new middle class market. The reason we now don't hear much about Samuel Alcock porcelain...
Category

1820s English Regency Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

1980s Vintage Alessi Tea Kettle Stainless and White Italy
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Alessi 9093 Modernist Kettle Stainless Steel White maker stamped 9.5 h x 8.75 diameter x 9.75 d Not new, preowned unrestored vintage condition. Comes...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Antique 19pc Japanese Nippon Moriage Eggshell Porcelain Dragonware Tea Set c1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique 19-Piece Japanese Nippon Hand Painted Moriage Eggshell Porcelain Dragonware Tea Set c1920 Measures- Creamer cup: 4''H x 3.5''W x 4.5''D; Sugar Bowl: 5''H x 4''W x 5.5''D; Wa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

Las Palmas, Tea Set with Six Contemporary Porcelains with Decorative Design
Located in Milano, Lombardia
The Las Palmas Porcelain Collection owes its name to the city of Palmas, in Brazil. It is a true tribute to palm trees, whether it is their leaves, the whole plant, or even the lands...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 12 Antique Super Japanese Porcelain Tea Bowl Cup Saucer Flowers, 18C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Set of 12 Antique Super Set Japanese Porcelain Tea Bowl Cup Saucer Imari Flowers, 18th Century. Lovely pieces. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Tea Bowl...
Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

1930 Jean E. Puiforcat Modernist Tea Coffee Set Sterling Silver Vermeil Rosewood
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art Deco Modernist tea and coffee set in sterling pure silver, vermeil and rosewood by Jean E. Puiforcat created in the 1930s. Service including: - a...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Gio Ponti Tea / coffee set from the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome 1960s circa
Located in Roma, IT
Tea or coffee set designed by Gio Ponti for the Hotel Parco Dei Principi in Rome and produced by the historic Italian manufacturer Fratelli Calderoni between 1950s and 1960s. This vintage breakfast set consists of 5 pieces: 1 small teapot with built-in filter in the body 1 large coffee maker 1 Water Jug 1 sugar bowl 1 Tray with feet...
Category

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

Materials

Silver Plate, Nickel

1930 Jean Puiforcat Modernist Tea Coffee Egoiste Set Sterling Silver Rosewood
Located in Boulogne Billancourt, FR
Art Deco Modernist tea and coffee egoiste set in sterling pure silver and rosewood by Jean E. Puiforcat created in the 1930s. Service including: - a coffee pot : 9 cm x 9 cm - a tea...
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Coffee Set Vintage Bone China Kaiser For 12 Person Germany
Located in Bastogne, BE
Vintage Coffee service for 12 person, 42 pieces from the famous AK Kaiser manufactory West Germany, Romantica Collection, Monte Carlo series, 1970-1980s. The service made of high quality bone china porcelain. Gilded underglaze decor. Each piece of this elegant Coffee Service has the blue AK Kaiser backstamp. Never used, in perfect condition. No chips, cracks or crazings. Set contains: 1 Coffee Pot with lid 1 sugar bowl with lid 1 milk jug 1 small sugar bowl with lid 12 dinner plates 12 coffee pairs...
Category

1970s German Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Bone

Antique Victorian 4 Piece Sterling Silver Tea & Coffee Set London England 1852
Located in London, GB
An impressive Antique Victorian 4 piece Silver Tea and Coffee Set comprising of a Coffee Pot, Teapot, Cream / Milk Jug & Sugar Bowl. This Tea Set features a panelled gothic design wi...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Il Viaggio di Nettuno Set of 2 Coffee Cups and Saucers by Luke Edward Hall
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated set of two coffee cups with their saucers is a celebration of classical aesthetic and ancient mythology, seen through the eyes of designer Luke Edward Hall. The de...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Hukin & Heath, Dresser style, A silver-plated sugar bowl & matching sugar spoon
Located in London, GB
Hukin and Heath, Dr C Dresser style of, A silver plated sugar bowl and matching sugar sifting spoon.
Category

1880s British Aesthetic Movement Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of 2 Arts And Crafts White Brown Ceramic Teapots
Located in Miami, FL
Life's cares seem to fade away and become more manageable over a steaming hot cup of tea. Here we offer a Set of 2 Teapots Studio Pieces American Handmade Arts and Crafts. The perfec...
Category

Late 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 5 Antique Japanese Porcelain Edo Period Tea Bowls Floral Imari
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Porcelain decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze red. Its a mariage Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Color: Blue & White Region of Origin: China Empe...
Category

17th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Edmond Bellefroid Tea Set by Petrus Regout Maastricht, Bauhaus, Dutch Art Deco
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful Art Deco, Bauhaus set designed by Edmond Bellefroid 1929, execution Petrus Regout Maastricht.The set is in very good condition.Included table ware set. Dimensions:Height 9...
Category

1920s Dutch Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Set of 8 Antique Edo Japanese Porcelain Imari Tea Cup & Saucer, 18th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely Japanese porcelain 18th c cup & saucer. underglaze blue, overglaze red and gold. Unusual design. Lovely Japanese porcelain 18th c cup & saucer. underglaze blue, overglaze red...
Category

18th Century Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

exceptional George III teapot by preeminent silversmith Paul Storr, 1793
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
This rare and exceptional George III teapot is the work of preeminent Georgian silversmith Paul Storr, it is one of his earliest works, the date mark on this pieces of the year 1793 which is the first year Storr marked items with his own initials (P S) The teapot is designed in the neoclassical taste with some Chinese influences, or Chinoiserie taste, even the figure on the cover of the teapot is Chinese. It is very hard to impossible to find works from this early period with this interesting Royalty provenance. The family crest on the front is of the Tollemache family, and dating of The teapot indicate It belonged and probably commissioned by or as a gift to William Manners Tollemache, Lord Huntingtower, William, On 12 January 1793, at the Age of 26, he Was created a Baronet, of Hanby Hall in the County of Lincoln. So this teapot was commissioned to celebrate the occasion. William Manners Tollemache: Lord Huntingtower (19 May 1766 – 11 March 1833), known as Sir William Manners, Bt, between 1793 and 1821, was a British nobleman And Tory politician. Born William Manners, he was the eldest son of John Manners and Louisa Tollemache, 7th Countess of Dysart. On 12 January 1793, at the age of 26, he was Ceated a Baronet, of Hanby Hall in the County of Lincoln.On his mother's Succession to the earldom in 1821, he was styled Lord Huntingtower, and adopted The surname of Talmash or Tollemache Paul Storr: (baptised 28 October 1770 in London – 18 March 1844 in London) was an English goldsmith and silversmith working in the Neoclassical and other styles During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. His works range from Simple tableware to magnificent sculptural pieces made for royalty Paul Storr was England's most celebrated silversmith during the first half of the Nineteenth century and his legacy lives on today. His pieces historically and Currently adorn royal palaces and the finest stately homes throughout Europe and The world. Storr's reputation rests on his mastery of the grandiose neo-Classical Style developed in the Regency period. He quickly became the most prominent Silversmith of the nineteenth century, producing much of the silver purchased by King George III and King George IV. Storr entered his first mark in the first part of 1792, which reflects his short-lived partnership with William Frisbee. Soon after, he Began to use his PS mark, which he maintained throughout his career with only Minor changes. His first major work was a gold font commissioned by the Duke of Portland...
Category

1790s English Neoclassical Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Mid-century modern piled up Tea set, SC3 Italy 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Mid-century modern piled up brown porcelain and metal Tea set SC3 Italy 1970s Teapot - H 10.5 x 21.5 cm Sugar bowl - H 6.5 x 15 cm Milk jug - 8 x 16 cm Marked on base Conditio...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

Tiffany Exotic Sterling Silver 3-Piece Turkish Coffee Set
Located in New York, NY
Exotic sterling silver 3-piece Turkish coffee set. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1910. This set comprises coffeepot, creamer, and sugar. Cof...
Category

Early 20th Century American Aesthetic Movement Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

PM Italian Silverplate & Brass Coffee Service
Located in Chicago, IL
A very fine silver plated and brass coffee service signed PM Italy. The set includes the coffee pot, creamer, sugar bowl and serving tray.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Brass

Antique Kangxi Blue and White Floral Tea Bowl Fire of Rotterdam
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely made set of tea bowls China and Japan. Historically very interesting. It has burning damage. According to the history of the family who owned it was burned after the fires that occurred during the German bombardment of Rotterdam in WW2. The German bombing of Rotterdam in World War II, also known as the Rotterdam Blitz, was the aerial bombardment of Rotterdam by the Luftwaffe on 14 May 1940, during the German invasion of the Netherlands in World War II. The objective was to support the German troops fighting in the city, break Dutch resistance...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Cased Tea Set, English Ceramic, Coffee Cans, Silver Spoon, Hallmark 1932
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage cased tea set. An English, ceramic and Sterling silver coffee can service, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Fascinating te...
Category

Early 20th Century British Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Six Capodimonte Porcelain Tea /Coffee Cups with Floral Motifs, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. This set is made in Capodimonte porcelain and features hand painted floral motifs and golden edges. They are vintage therefore they might show slight traces of ...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Five piece Arne Jacobsen Stelton stainless steel modernist tea service
Located in Ferndale, MI
Five pieces of beautifully designed and ergonomic Stelton stainless steel tea service . These are from the cylinder line designed by Arne Jacob...
Category

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

Materials

Stainless Steel

Service "Tête à Tête" in 19th Century Sèvres Porcelain, Napoleon III Period.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Service Tête à Tête in 19th century Sèvres porcelain, Napoleon III period. Service Tête à Tête in Sèvres porcelain, portrait of French royalty, Napoleon III period, 19th century.   ...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

20th Century Japanese Solid Silver Tea & Coffee Service On Tray, c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique stunning and exceptional early-20th Century Japanese solid silver siz piece tea and coffee service, comprising a coffee pot, teapot, kettle on stand, tea caddy, waist bowl, s...
Category

20th Century Japanese Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique/Vintage Colorfull Teapot with Figures and Handle, 20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A lovely Japanese teapot Koro with figures in enamel and nice handle. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Tea/Coffee Drinking: Bowls, Cups & Teapots Japanese...
Category

20th Century Japanese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

George II Bullet Teapot Made in London by John Swift in 1734
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine George II Bullet Teapot Made in London in 1734 by John Swift The "Bullet" shaped Teapot is one of the best known shapes of the George II period and this represents an ea...
Category

18th Century English George II Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Pair Antique Meiji Porcelain Kangxi Revival Japanese Tea Bowls, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Pair Antique Meiji Porcelain Kangxi Revival Japanese Tea Bowls, 19th Century Lovely and very detailed pieces. Additional information: Materia...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Meiji Period Japanese Satsuma Tea Pot Japan, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Faboulous japanese earthenware Teapot of unusual shape. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Type: Tea/Coffee Drinking: Bowls, Cups & Teapots Japanese Style: Satsum...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Japanese Thousand Flower Satsuma Porcelain Demitasse Tea Coffee Set
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage Japanese Satsuma porcelain demitasse tea or coffee set featuring the thousand flower design with gold accents. Includes tea pot with ...
Category

Late 20th Century Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

1980s Postmodern Tea Kettle Designed by Michael Graves
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s Postmodern Tea Kettle Designed by Michael Graves With a fun whistle that works when the steam comes out! 12 h x 11.5 long x 7.5 diameter Preowned unrestored vintage condition. ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Post-Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Stainless Steel

Persian Engraved Glass and Silver Part-Drinks Service
Located in London, GB
Persian engraved glass and silver part-drinks service Persian, 20th Century Tray: Height 2cm, width 43.5cm, depth 29.5cm Cups: Height 8cm, width 7.5cm, depth 5cm Showcasing sensati...
Category

20th Century Persian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

"Il Litro" Ceramic Black Teapot by Nicolaï Carels for The Meccano Company
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handsomely constructed, black ceramic teapot with grey rubber handle and stopper by renowned and award winning designer Nicolaï Carels. Wonderful example of innovative Dutch design w...
Category

Early 2000s Dutch Post-Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Rubber

Il Viaggio di Nettuno Set of 2 Tea Cups and Saucers by Luke Edward Hall
Located in Milan, IT
This stunning set of two tea cups and two saucers is a vibrant interpretation of classical elegance by designer Luke Edward Hall. The kingdom of Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, li...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

German Bavarian Wiuterliug Kirchenlamitz Cobalt Blue Gold Demitasse Tea Coffee
Located in Dayton, OH
Vintage German Bavarian Wiuterliug Kirchenlomitz Echt Kobalt Scharffeuer china demitasse tea coffee set featuring teapot, creamer, sugar, cups, saucers and desert plates. The compa...
Category

Late 20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Pair of Antique Chinese Enamel Bronze Cantonese Tea Cups, 18/19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely made 18/19th century enamel on bronze/copper powder box. Canton Qianlong. Additional information: Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Region of Origin: China Emperor: Qianlon...
Category

18th Century Chinese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Bronze

Set of 6 Sole Tea Cups
Located in Milan, IT
The sun occupies a privileged place in Fornasetti's imagination and is one of the main decorative themes of the Atelier: here it is the protagonist of this set of hand-decorated porc...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Totem Cat Mug with Lid
Located in Milan, IT
This exclusive porcelain mug with lid from the Totem Collection is a contemporary take on porcelain cups from the 18th century, which were adorned with decorations of symbolic animal...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups
Located in Milan, IT
This set of hand-decorated porcelain tea cups with gold accents is adorned with exquisite zodiac designs, making this ensemble a true collector's item. Any minor discrepancies betwee...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

English Porcelain Chinoiserie Imari Teapot
Located in Downingtown, PA
English Porcelain Chinoiserie Imari Teapot 19th Century The bullet-shaped porcelain teapot is painted with an unusual design with a Chin...
Category

19th Century English Chinoiserie Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Boulenger - 8pc. Louis XVI, Silver Tea Set - Museum Quality !
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, A Superb 8 piece 19th Century Louis XVI Sterling Silver Tea Set by the one of France's Premier Silversmiths "Adolphe Boulenger" in...
Category

1870s French Louis XVI Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

English tea set, Name: Tango, Design: A. Susie Cooper, Style: Art Deco, 1933
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
12 small plates : 14,5 cm diameter x 2,1 cm high 5,7 inch diameter x 0,82 inch high 12 medium plates: 17 cm diameter x 1,5 cm high 6,69 inch diameter x 0,59 inch high 2 large plate...
Category

1930s English Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

1920s German Silver Ten Piece Picnic Tea Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, rare antique German 935 standard silver ten piece picnic tea set/service - boxed; an addition to our silver teaware...
Category

1920s Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Reed And Barton Sterling Silver Four-Piece Tea And Coffee Service with a Tiffany
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Reed And Barton Sterling Silver Four-Piece Tea And Coffee Service with a Tiffany & Co. Silver Plated Tray 1928, marked with Reed and Barton eagle symbols, Sterling, 650.b, the tray m...
Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique, New and Vintage Tea Sets

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.

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