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Tea Sets For Sale
Antique French Modernist Copper Kettle, Art Deco Cubist Design, 1920s
Antique French Modernist Copper Kettle, Art Deco Cubist Design, 1920s

Antique French Modernist Copper Kettle, Art Deco Cubist Design, 1920s

Located in Bristol, GB

ANTIQUE COPPER KETTLE Casting an angular silhouette with triangular and diamond shapes throughout in the modernist taste. A trailblazing design for its time. Hand made from coppe...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

Set of 6 Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers, 1980s
Set of 6 Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers, 1980s

Set of 6 Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers, 1980s

By Dorothy Hafner

Located in Hamburg, DE

Postmodern Flash One Series Coffee Service Plates, Cups, Saucers by Dorothy Hafner for Rosenthal, 1980s, Set of 6, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an at...

Category

20th Century German Post-Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Chinese Silver and Enamel Teapot with Magpies and Blossom
Chinese Silver and Enamel Teapot with Magpies and Blossom

Chinese Silver and Enamel Teapot with Magpies and Blossom

Located in Newark, England

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING This Chinese silver and enamel teapot is a mid-20th century piece from the final years of the Republic period, dating to around 1945. Combining traditional m...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Contemporary Simple Coffee Container Silver White Stone Artisanal Natalia Criado
Contemporary Simple Coffee Container Silver White Stone Artisanal Natalia Criado

Contemporary Simple Coffee Container Silver White Stone Artisanal Natalia Criado

By Natalia Criado

Located in Milan, IT

Experience the art of pouring with grace and elegance using our Simple Coffee Container, a plated brass jug expertly crafted in Italy using sheet turning techniques. The top features...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Stone, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

Vintage Arne Jacobsen Stainless Steel Teaset. Denmark, 1960's
Vintage Arne Jacobsen Stainless Steel Teaset. Denmark, 1960's

Vintage Arne Jacobsen Stainless Steel Teaset. Denmark, 1960's

Located in St Annes, Lancashire

Very smart tea and coffee set on a tray Made by Shelton,Denmark. Designed by Arne Jacobsen Makers marks on the base of most of the pieces. Printed label on the base of the tray F...

Category

1960s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Stainless Steel

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

This 23-piece tea and coffee service by Raynaud & Cie embodies the elegance and artistry for which Limoges porcelain is renowned. Each piece is crafted from fine, translucent porcela...

Category

20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Bailey Banks & Biddle English Edwardian Silver Plated Tea Set - 4 Pcs
Antique Bailey Banks & Biddle English Edwardian Silver Plated Tea Set - 4 Pcs

Antique Bailey Banks & Biddle English Edwardian Silver Plated Tea Set - 4 Pcs

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique Bailey Banks & Biddle English Edwardian Silver Plated Engraved and Monogrammed Tea Service Set - 4 Pcs. Set includes (1) Teapot, (1) Coffee pot, (1) Creamer, (1) Sugar Bo...

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silver Plate Tea and Coffee Service Set
Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silver Plate Tea and Coffee Service Set

Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silver Plate Tea and Coffee Service Set

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous assembled antique Victorian silver plate service set, including three tea or coffee pots and a large serving tray. In the manner of Tiffany & Co. USA, Circa Early 20th C...

Category

Early 20th Century American Victorian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups
Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups

Set of 6 Astronomici Tea Cups

By Fornasetti

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

Antique Schofield Castle Pattern Repousse Baltimore Sterling Silver Tea Pot
Antique Schofield Castle Pattern Repousse Baltimore Sterling Silver Tea Pot

Antique Schofield Castle Pattern Repousse Baltimore Sterling Silver Tea Pot

A fine antique Baltimore silver repousse tea pot. By Schofield. In sterling silver. In the rare 'Castle' pattern, depicting a castle in a forest landscape scene. With a ram's he...

Category

Late 19th Century American American Empire Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fifteen-Piece Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set, Japan, Late Meiji Period
Fifteen-Piece Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set, Japan, Late Meiji Period

Fifteen-Piece Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set, Japan, Late Meiji Period

Located in Newark, England

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING FIFTEEN-PIECE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL TEA SET, LATE MEIJI PERIOD, C.1910 From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this exceptional fifteen-piece Cloisonné Enamel Tea Set dating to the late Meiji period, circa 1910. Executed in the Chinese style and richly detailed throughout, the set comprises six teacups with matching saucers, a lidded teapot, a lidded sugar pot, and a milk jug. Each piece has been masterfully inlaid with fine cloisonné wirework in a range of gauges, forming a profusion of roundels, fan motifs, and cloud shapes containing miniature landscape scenes, symbolic flora, and stylised fauna. Decorative themes include irises, cherry blossoms, maple leaves, mythical dragons, and auspicious bats, all set against a rich ground of gold spiral enamel and bordered with ‘fish scale’ cloisonné...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Tea Sets

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Vintage Sheridan Victorian Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 12 Cups and Tray
Vintage Sheridan Victorian Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 12 Cups and Tray

Vintage Sheridan Victorian Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 12 Cups and Tray

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Sheridan Victorian Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set with 12 Cups, Punch Bowl, Ladle, and Round Tray - 15 Pc Set. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Punch Bowl: 1" H x 20" Diam...

Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Cups
Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Cups

Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Cups

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Sheridan Mid Century Modern Silver Plated Punch Bowl Set w/ 10 Stacking Cups and Ladle. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Bowl: 7.75" H x 12" Diameter. Cups: 2.25" H x 3"...

Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

5-Piece Art Deco Silver Plated Tea and Coffee Set - France
5-Piece Art Deco Silver Plated Tea and Coffee Set - France

5-Piece Art Deco Silver Plated Tea and Coffee Set - France

Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant

Elegant five-piece French silver-plated tea and coffee service from the Art Deco Period. The set includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl with lid, milk jug, and a large oval tray w...

Category

1930s Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Pair of English Victorian Porcelain Teacups and Saucers
Pair of English Victorian Porcelain Teacups and Saucers

Pair of English Victorian Porcelain Teacups and Saucers

By Royal Worcester

Located in Queens, NY

PAIR of English Victorian white and brown porcelain tea cups and saucers with floral and leaf decoration (Royal Worcester) (PRICED AS PAIR)

Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Tea Sets

English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy
English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy

English Silver Plate Biscuit Box or Tea Caddy

Located in New York, NY

An English sterling silver plate covered biscuit box or tea caddy with hinged finial lid top, attached claw footed gallery tray, and exterior repou...

Category

20th Century English Empire Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Tiffany & Co. Antique Victorian Silver Plate Coffee or Tea Service Set
Tiffany & Co. Antique Victorian Silver Plate Coffee or Tea Service Set

Tiffany & Co. Antique Victorian Silver Plate Coffee or Tea Service Set

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique Victorian silverplate tea or coffee service set, including: tea pots, sugar, creamer, and large service tray. By Tiffany & Co. USA, Late 19th Century Measuremen...

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Contemporary Silver Plated Lapis Lazuli Stone Milk Container by Natalia Criado
Contemporary Silver Plated Lapis Lazuli Stone Milk Container by Natalia Criado

Contemporary Silver Plated Lapis Lazuli Stone Milk Container by Natalia Criado

By Natalia Criado

Located in Milan, IT

Pour your warm milk with grace and elegance using our milk lapis, a plated brass vessel crafted in italy with precision turning techniques. The exquisite stone handle in lapis lazuli...

Category

2010s Italian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Stone, Silver Plate

Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set silver plated, 1930s
Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set silver plated, 1930s

Beautiful ART DECO coffee set tea set silver plated, 1930s

Located in Bingen am Rhein, RP

Coffee/tea set - 1930s This coffee set from the 1930s is in the typical style of the streamline modern. It includes a coffee pot, teapot, sugar bowl, creamer and a handled tray. Th...

Category

1920s French Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Mid-Century Metal and Teak Teapot, 1960s
Mid-Century Metal and Teak Teapot, 1960s

Mid-Century Metal and Teak Teapot, 1960s

Located in Hamburg, DE

Mid-Century Metal and Teak Teapot, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 Additional information: Materials: Metal, Teak Color: Brown Styles: Mid-Century Modern Count...

Category

20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

French Epinal Porcelain Tea Set, Rovina V.S., Hand-Painted Roses
French Epinal Porcelain Tea Set, Rovina V.S., Hand-Painted Roses

French Epinal Porcelain Tea Set, Rovina V.S., Hand-Painted Roses

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This elegant French porcelain tea service, signed Rovina V.S. Épinal, is a refined example of early 20th-century decorative craftsmanship. Produced in the Épinal region, known for it...

Category

Early 20th Century French Restauration Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

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 sought-after design from Limoges, known for its fine French porcelain. Adorned with a ...

Category

20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

19th Century Satsuma Japanese Hand Painted Porcelain Tea or Coffee Set 15 Pieces
19th Century Satsuma Japanese Hand Painted Porcelain Tea or Coffee Set 15 Pieces

19th Century Satsuma Japanese Hand Painted Porcelain Tea or Coffee Set 15 Pieces

By Satsuma

Located in Casale Monferrato, IT

Beautiful hand painted and gold porcelain tea or coffee set Satsuma Japanese 15 pieces, 1880s. The service is complete to serve six people at the table includes: 1 teapot, 1 sugar bo...

Category

1880s Japanese Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

44-Piece Royal Tuscan Gold and White Bone China Coffee & Tea Service
44-Piece Royal Tuscan Gold and White Bone China Coffee & Tea Service

44-Piece Royal Tuscan Gold and White Bone China Coffee & Tea Service

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This refined 44-piece Royal Tuscan service exemplifies the elegance and craftsmanship for which English fine bone china is celebrated. Produced in England, the set features a crisp w...

Category

20th Century English Tea Sets

Materials

Gold

Tiffany & Co. Antique Silverplate Tea Kettle or Coffee Pot, 1902
Tiffany & Co. Antique Silverplate Tea Kettle or Coffee Pot, 1902

Tiffany & Co. Antique Silverplate Tea Kettle or Coffee Pot, 1902

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique silverplate tea kettle or coffee pot By Tiffany & Co. USA, 1902 Measures: 7.5"W x 4"D x 9.75"H. Good original vintage condition.

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set
Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set

Early 20th Century Large Russian Imperial Brass Samovar Set

Located in Germantown, MD

A gorgeous, early 20th century large Russian imperial brass samovar set. Tray and bowl included. Measures 16" in width, 16" in depth and stands 22.5" tall.

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Empire Tea Sets

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Silver plated Coffee Set
Art Deco Silver plated Coffee Set

Art Deco Silver plated Coffee Set

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1960, we offer this Silver plated Art Deco Coffee Set. 1. Height: 23.5 cm. Width: 14.5 cm. Depth: 8 cm. 2. Height: 17.5 cm. Width: 20 cm. Depth: 10 cm. 3. Height: 13 cm. Width:...

Category

1940s Mexican Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Bakelite

Richard Ginori Vintage Black Gold Porcelain Coffee or Tea Cup and Saucer
Richard Ginori Vintage Black Gold Porcelain Coffee or Tea Cup and Saucer

Richard Ginori Vintage Black Gold Porcelain Coffee or Tea Cup and Saucer

By Richard Ginori

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful and elegant Italian black and gold porcelain coffee or tea cup and saucer by designer Richard Ginori, circa mid-20th century, 1960s, Italy. With maker's mark on bottom of both as shown in last two images. Excellent condition as shown in images. No chips noted. Measurements include: Saucer: 5.38" Diameter. Cup: 2.5" Height x 3.13" Diameter. Other items shown are available separately, search 1stDibs ref. #s: For German turquoise blue and gold plate...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Bloor Derby Tea Service, Witches Pattern Imari, ca 1825
Bloor Derby Tea Service, Witches Pattern Imari, ca 1825

Bloor Derby Tea Service, Witches Pattern Imari, ca 1825

By Bloor Derby

Located in London, GB

This is a rather extravagant tea service serving four, made by the Bloor Derby factory between 1825 and 1830 in the wonderful "Witches" pattern in the Imari colour scheme. The set c...

Category

1820s English Regency Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Teapot, "Lilja" "Lilly", Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s, Mid-Century Modern Vintage
Teapot, "Lilja" "Lilly", Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s, Mid-Century Modern Vintage

Teapot, "Lilja" "Lilly", Bo Fajans, Sweden, 1940s, Mid-Century Modern Vintage

By Bo Fajans

Located in Stockholm, SE

A stunning teapot designed at Bo Fajans in Gefle, Sweden and of the model "Lilly" that is super rare to find today. The teapot is 15.5 cm (6.2") high and about 23,5 cm (9.4") long. I...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Midcentury Modern German Blue & White Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set by Rosenthal
Midcentury Modern German Blue & White Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set by Rosenthal

Midcentury Modern German Blue & White Porcelain Coffee or Tea Set by Rosenthal

By Rosenthal

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful German porcelain coffee or tea cup set, with creamer and sugar, in white with touches of gold and blue. Set includes six cups, one creamer and one sugar bowl with lid, al...

Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

1960s Fajardo Taxco Silver Plate Brass Lapis Toucan Creamer Sugar Tray Set
1960s Fajardo Taxco Silver Plate Brass Lapis Toucan Creamer Sugar Tray Set

1960s Fajardo Taxco Silver Plate Brass Lapis Toucan Creamer Sugar Tray Set

By Fajardo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Rare mid-century Mexican modern creamer and covered sugar set with matching serving tray, designed and manufactured in Taxco, Mexico by Fajardo during the 1960s. The sculptural set is crafted from solid brass with silver plate and features striking toucan-form handles with lapis lazuli inlay, a highly recognizable decorative motif associated with expressive mid-century Taxco design and Mexican silversmithing traditions. The birds’ beaks are made from solid brass, creating a beautiful contrast against the silver-plated surfaces and deep blue lapis lazuli. Both the creamer pitcher and covered sugar pot display elegant repoussé decoration that appears to represent a stylized agave or botanical plant motif, reflecting the influence of traditional Mexican plant forms in modernist decorative arts. The bold forms and carefully balanced proportions give the pieces a distinctive presence, demonstrating the refined craftsmanship and artistic quality that made Taxco an international center for Mexican silversmithing in the mid-20th century. The oval serving tray features a wide border inlaid with lapis lazuli mosaic...

Category

1960s Mexican Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

Porcelain cups and saucers from Royal Albert
Porcelain cups and saucers from Royal Albert

Porcelain cups and saucers from Royal Albert

By Royal Albert

Located in Delft, NL

Porcelain cups and saucers from Royal Albert A set of eleven porcelain cups and saucers made by Royal Albert, England. Royal Albert was founded by Thomas Clark Wild, ca 1894. two small cups and saucers of the "Serena" model from before 1977 two cups and saucers, large and small, model Chelsea Bird 1950s-70s small cup and saucer model "Sweet Violets" 1960s-70s two cups and saucers small and large from the "Moss Rose" model before the 1960s-70s small cup and saucer, Model Blue Blossom, 1988 large cup and saucer model "Lady...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silverplate Tea Kettle with Boiler
Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silverplate Tea Kettle with Boiler

Tiffany & Co. Style Antique Victorian Silverplate Tea Kettle with Boiler

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous antique silverplate tea kettle or coffee pot with boiler In the manner of Tiffany & Co. USA, Late 19th Century Measures: Kettle : 9.25"W x 13"D x 11.75"H. Boiler : 9.75...

Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Ulla Procopé, Arabia, Brown Teapot
Ulla Procopé, Arabia, Brown Teapot

Ulla Procopé, Arabia, Brown Teapot

By Arabia, Ulla Procope

Located in MAASTRICHT, LI

Product Description: The teapot on offer here has been designed by Ulla Procopé for Arabia. Ulla, who died young at an age of 47, is responsable for a whole series of famous designs...

Category

1960s Finnish Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton
19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton

19th Century Set of 7 English Porcelain Tea Cups & Saucers, 6 Signed Minton

By Minton

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

This charming set comprises seven finely decorated teacups with matching saucers, six of which are signed Minton, one of the most celebrated English porcelain manufacturers of the 19...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Paint

80s Post Modern Memphis Design Handmade Marilee Hall Abstract Art Teapot Signed
80s Post Modern Memphis Design Handmade Marilee Hall Abstract Art Teapot Signed

80s Post Modern Memphis Design Handmade Marilee Hall Abstract Art Teapot Signed

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Spectacular, Post Modern, Memphis Design, One of a Kind, Handmade, tossed pottery and painted yellow tea pot, with a crackle finish, I adorned with both incised and applied colorful...

Category

1980s American Post-Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service
19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service

19th Century English Tableware Tea/Coffee Service

By Sheffield Silver Co.

Located in Tarry Town, NY

Early 19th century English Sheffield silver plate tableware five pieces tea/coffee service. The coffee/tea features intricate exterior floral details and paw. The set include a tall ...

Category

Early 1800s English High Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

1950s Large Traditional Engraved Sterling Silver Teapot
1950s Large Traditional Engraved Sterling Silver Teapot

1950s Large Traditional Engraved Sterling Silver Teapot

Located in Paris, FR

A handcrafted Moorish sterling silver teapot handcrafted in the 1950s. Its wooden handle, meticulously sculpted, complements the silver. What truly sets this piece apart are the intr...

Category

1950s Unknown Moorish Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Set of 5 Mid-Century Cocktail Sipper Straws with Heart-Shaped Spoons, 1950s
Set of 5 Mid-Century Cocktail Sipper Straws with Heart-Shaped Spoons, 1950s

Set of 5 Mid-Century Cocktail Sipper Straws with Heart-Shaped Spoons, 1950s

By PM Italy, Gio Ponti

Located in Brescia, Brescia

This charming set of five vintage cocktail sipper straws is a beautiful example of Italian craftsmanship from the 1950s, made by the renowned PM Italy. Designed in the style of Gio P...

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Staffordshire Fine Ceramic Woodland Birds Hand Painted Kingfisher Bird Teapot
Staffordshire Fine Ceramic Woodland Birds Hand Painted Kingfisher Bird Teapot

Staffordshire Fine Ceramic Woodland Birds Hand Painted Kingfisher Bird Teapot

By Staffordshire

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A charming and highly decorative Kingfisher Bird teapot by Staffordshire Fine Ceramics, created as part of the beloved “Woodland Birds” series. Expertly hand-painted, the teapot is modeled in the form of a kingfisher, capturing the bird’s graceful silhouette and vivid plumage with remarkable detail. Rich coloration and careful brushwork bring the piece to life, while the sculptural form transforms a functional object into a delightful work of ceramic art. Originally produced in the early 1990s, this collectible novelty teapot...

Category

20th Century English Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Paint

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.