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Tea Sets For Sale
Antique Tea Service, English, Silver Plated, Teapot, Dish, Milk Jug, Edwardian
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is an antique tea service. An English, silver plated teapot, bon bon dish and milk jug, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Attract...
Category
Early 20th Century British Edwardian Tea Sets
Materials
Silver Plate
Georg Jensen Coffee Service 80A
By Georg Jensen
Located in Hellerup, DK
A Georg Jensen sterling silver coffee service with ebony handles, design #80 by Georg Jensen from circa 1915. Simple elegant design, the only decoration is a beaded edge under the fi...
Category
20th Century Art Nouveau Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Malachite Pottery Espresso Coffee and Tea Demitasse Susan Williams-Ellis English
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and rare set of eight (8) English Portmeirion green Malachite and gold espresso coffee or demitasse tea cup and saucer, circa...
Category
Mid-20th Century English Tea Sets
Materials
Ceramic, Pottery
Amami, Tea Set with Six Contemporary Porcelains with Decorative Design
By Vito Nesta
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Inspired by the coral reef of the Amami Islands in Japan, the Amami collection features tropical fishes and beautiful seaweed. A perfect choice for every spot near the seaside.
Tea ...
Category
2010s Italian Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
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
Rolf Sinnemark, Teapot "The Cube", Rörstrand, 1980s
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely teapot of model "The Cube" designed by Rolf Sinnemark at Rörstrand. The teapot is 26 cm (10,4") long and 19 cm (7,6") high. It is in mint condition. ...
Category
1980s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Rare Haviland Limoges Cup and Saucer Set Antique Porcelain, France 1890s
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Haviland Limoges cup and saucer set was made of thin, semi-translucent porcelain and hand decorated in delicate gold, dark red, and pale grey pal...
Category
Late 19th Century French Arts and Crafts Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Bellevue Rye Floral Design Art Pottery Teapot & Cover
By Rye Pottery
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A rare antique art pottery teapot and cover decorated with floral designs from the Bellevue pottery in Rye, Sussex and dating from the 19th century. Typical of Rye pottery...
Category
19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Pottery
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 Art Nouveau Style Sterling Silver Three-Piece Tea Service
By Herbert Edward Barker & Frank Ernest Barker 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver three-piece tea service in the Art Nouveau style; an addition to our antique teaware collection.
This fine antique G...
Category
1910s English Art Nouveau Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Spode Porcelain Teacup Trio, Red Imari Dollar Pattern, Regency, ca 1810
By Spode
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful orphaned teacup made by Spode in about 1810. It bears a lavish Japanese-inspired Imari pattern.
Spode was the great pioneer among the Georgian potters in England. Around the year 1800 he perfected the bone china recipe that has been used by British potters ever since, and he was also the leading potter behind the technique of transferware, making it possible for English potters to replace the Chinese export china, which had come to an end around that time, with their own designs. This was fundamental to a thriving industry that would last for about 150 years and provide half the world with their tableware. Spode porcelain is regarded as one of the highest quality porcelains around; for a soft-paste porcelain it is surprisingly hard and fine, and has a wonderful bright white colour.
The pattern on this can is called "Dollar" pattern, a very famous pattern that was used by English potters in the 18th and early 19th Century. It is obvious why it is called “dollar” - but its origin is less obvious! It is thought that this pattern was derived from a very old Chinese pattern depicting a tree with elaborate foliage that hides a Chinese character representing longevity or happiness. Traditionally, this went with a an image called “Taotie”, which was used on very ancient bronze vases...
Category
Early 1800s English Regency Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Limoges coffee service
By Limoges
Located in MADRID, ES
Hand painted coffee set by Limonges. Composed of; 1 bowl, 7 small bowls, teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug and 14 cups with plates.
Category
1930s French Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Tea Pot Rose Quartz Silver Plated Colour Natural Stone Handle
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea ritual with our Teiera, a plated brass vessel crafted in Italy with precision turning techniques. the exquisite quartz top handle adds a touch of jewelry-inspi...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Silver Plate
19th Century Wedgwood Etruria Drab Stoneware Smear-Glazed Teapot
By Wedgwood
Located in Delft, NL
19th Century wedgwood Etruria drab stoneware smear-glazed teapot
A wedgwood teapot in Drab stoneware smearglazed green with raised relief, model 15...
Category
19th Century English Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Stoneware
Vista Alegre for Mottahedeh 'Lowestoft Rose' Porcelain Demitasse Set
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This 17 piece porcelain demitasse set was made by Vista Alegre of Portugal for Mottahedeh. The pieces have been finished in the heavily gilded ...
Category
1980s Portuguese Chinoiserie Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Gold Plated Red Stone Cone Cup Handcrafted Italy by Natalia Criado
Located in Milan, IT
Elevate your daily tea or coffee ritual with our exquisite lava cup. Handcrafted with plated brass, its geometric silhouette narrows at the base for a sleek and minimal aesthetic. Th...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Brass, Gold Plate
Modernist Sterling Silver and Rosewood Coffee or Tea Set with Tray
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This elegant matched seven-piece Modernist coffee or tea set is made of sterling silver and rosewood. The set includes a coffee pot, tea pot, pitcher, cream jug, and covered sugar bo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Mexican Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Bow Porcelain Orphaned Coffee Cup, Famille Rose Peony, circa 1755
Located in London, GB
This is a very charming orphaned coffee cup made by the Bow Porcelain factory in about 1755. The cup is decorated in a Chinese "famille rose" peony pattern. This cup would have been part of a large tea service, and the tiny size shows how expensive coffee was in the 18th Century.
The Bow Porcelain Factory was one of the first potteries in Britain to make soft paste porcelain, and most probably the very first to use bone ash, which later got perfected by Josiah Spode to what is now the universally used "bone china". Bow was the main competitor of the Chelsea Porcelain Factory, but where Chelsea made very fine slipcast porcelain, Bow made a different soft paste porcelain that tended to be softer and could be pressed into moulds. Bow served a larger public generally at lower prices. The factory was only in operation between 1743 and 1774, after which the tradition got incorporated into some of the later famous potteries such as Worcester and Derby.
The cup is unmarked, which is normal for Bow items of this era.
Condition report the cup is in excellent condition without any damage or repairs. There are various glazing imperfections, which are quite normal for porcelain of this era.
Antique British porcelain...
Category
1750s English Rococo Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Silver Tea Service by William Forbes for Ball, Tompkins & Black
By William Forbes
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid- 19th century American tea service by William Forbes for Ball, Tompkins and Black, New York. pear-form bodies with overall floral and foliate ...
Category
19th Century American Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Silver
Tiffany Engraved Hampton Sterling Silver Kettle on Stand
Located in New York, NY
Engraved Hampton sterling silver hot water kettle on stand. Made by Tiffany & Co. in New York, ca 1912. Kettle curved and rectilinear with concave corners faceted s-scroll handle, an...
Category
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Geometrical Blue Glazed Vase by Pietro Arosio for Parravicini, Italy
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s.
It is made in blue glazed ceramic by Pietro Arosio for Parravicini.
This is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be conside...
Category
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Ceramic
1960s Mid-Century Modern Green and Gold Ceramic Tea Pot by Pucci Umbertide
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An elegant mid-century modern light green and gold ceramic tea pot designed and manufactured by Pucci in the Sixties. It's signed on the bottom....
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Ceramic
German Porcelain Tea / Coffee Service For Ten
Located in Tarry Town, NY
German porcelain tea / coffee service for ten people. Each piece is in great condition. Maker's mark undersigned "Crown Heinrich Germany". All together 30 pieces. Measures: Include tall covered coffee / tea pot 9.7" x 8". Medium tea / coffee pot 9" x 7". Small coffee / tea pot 5.8" x 7". Ten coffee / tea cups 4.3" x 2.5". Ten coffee / tea saucers...
Category
Early 20th Century German Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Meissen Porcelain Yellow Dragon Tea Service, 20th century
Located in New York, NY
Consisting of tray 17.5" x 14.75", pot (H 5"), covered sugar (H 3.5"), creamer (H 4"), 4 cups (H-2, D - 3.75) and saucers, 6 plates (D 8"). Condition: additional 2 cups and saucers a...
Category
20th Century Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Late 18th-Early 19th Century Silver Coffee Pot, Italian-Trento
Located in Firenze, IT
SHIPPING POLICY:
No additional costs will be added to this order.
Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included).
Elongated, plain baluster form wit...
Category
1790s Italian Directoire Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Silver
Kazuko Matthews Stoneware Post Modern California Studio Zig Zag Teapot with Lid
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Flattened stoneware Post Modernist vase by California studio artist Kazuko Matthews. Teapot measures 16.5" by 9.5" by 3" and is signed Kazuko Matthews on the bottom. In very good vin...
Category
1990s American Post-Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Stoneware
Carl Deffner Art Nouveau Copper Tea Kettle on a Comfort, circa 1895-1900
By Carl Deffner
Located in Hampstead, QC
Carl Deffner (1856-1946) Art Nouveau Copper Tea Kettle on a Comfort circa 1895-1900, Germany.
This Carl Deffner teapot on a conforming stand with a spirit burner, circa 1895-1900 ...
Category
Late 19th Century German Art Nouveau Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Brass, Copper, Enamel
Samuel Alcock Teacup and Milk Jug, Pale Yellow, Gilt and Flowers, ca 1824
Located in London, GB
A teacup and saucer with milk jug in the “melted snow” shape with double drop handles, pale yellow ground with rich gilt and cobalt blue acanthus pattern and finely painted flower re...
Category
1820s English Regency Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Miniature Teapot
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive, miniature antique Victorian English sterling silver teapot in the Chinoiserie style; an addition to our silver teaware collection
This exceptional and rare antique Victorian sterling silver miniature teapot...
Category
1840s British Victorian Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Buccellati Sterling Silver Hand Hammered 4-Piece Tea & Coffee Set
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Buccellati sterling silver hand-hammered 4-piece tea and coffee set, beautifully adorned with stylized, geometric finials, consisting of:
- a coffee pot measuring 11 1/4'' in height...
Category
20th Century Italian Tea Sets
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Tea Set 3 Part English Silver, Serving Tray, Home Decorative Objects
Located in Wembley, GB
An antique afternoon tea set. An English Sheffield, silver 3-pieces set with a serving tray, dating to the Edwardian period, circa 1910.
Attractive ...
Category
1830s English Art Deco Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Silver
Adam-style Arts & Crafts silver teapot
By John Reeve
Located in London, GB
Excellent example from the Arts & Crafts era of a hand-raised silver teapot by The Guild of Handicrafts maker, John Sidney Reeve. Its capacity will serve four to five cups of tea. We...
Category
1920s Arts and Crafts Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
English Measham Bargeware Love at Home Teapot on Stand
By Barge Ware
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Measham – Bargeware Teapot impressed with the saying, “Love At Home”, England, circa 1880.
The three piece teapot set includes the kettle, lid, and table stand. Finished in a dar...
Category
Late 19th Century English Aesthetic Movement Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Pottery
Vereco, France. Six-person tea set in amber glass. Modernist design.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Vereco, France. Six-person tea set in amber glass. Modernist design.
From the 1970s.
Marked.
In good condition with minimal signs of use.
Cup: D 10.8 cm without handle x H 6.0 cm.
Sa...
Category
1970s French Modern Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Glass
Antique Sterling Silver Four-Piece Tea and Coffee Service
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver four piece tea and coffee set; part of our silver teaware collection.
This magnificent antique sterling silver tea and...
Category
Early 1900s British Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique Edo Period Japanese Porcelain Teapot Imari Red Gold, 1690-1720
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely shaped teapot in round and moulded shape. With flower scene.
Additional information:
Material: Porcelain & Pottery
Region of Origin: Japan
Japanese Style: Imari
Decoration Ty...
Category
18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Contemporary Teapot Hand Painted in Italy Porcelain Tableware
Located in Roma, RM
Handcrafted in Italy from the finest porcelain, this Berry teapot is entirely decorated with a dotted pink enamel.
Measures: Teapot 20 x 12 x 14 H cm - 60cl - 20oz
Piazza del Popolo, Berry collection
Hand painted porcelain
Made in Italy
First introduced at Milan Design Week 2018, the Piazza del Popolo collection is named after a Roman landmark, at the heart of Roman everyday life, and inspired by traditional, simple Italian artisanal pottery yet decorated in a personal and elegant key.
Each Coralla Maiuri product is entirely hand decorated. Each is a work of art. While ensuring consistency, they are never identical. Slight variations of decor and color from one to another are not only normal, but to be expected as a sign of their uniqueness.
For large quantities, production lead time to be confirmed.
Dishwasher and microwave oven safe.
Category
2010s Italian Modern Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Italian Art Deco Tea Set by Richard Ginori in White and Tiffany Green Majolica
Located in Roma, IT
A set made in Italy by the historic ceramic and porcelain company Richard Ginori, founded in Tuscany in Sesto Fiorentino in 1896, and currently owned by the luxury brand Gucci (Kerin...
Category
1930s Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Majolica
Just Andersen, Denmark, Pair Vintage Polished Pewter 1940's Hot Toddy Cups #1289
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen, Denmark, pair of vintage polished pewter 1940's hot toddy cups #1289
Simple and effective Danish design
Circa 1940's
Stamped and numbered 1289...
Category
1940s Danish Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Pewter
Chantilly by Gorham Duchess Sterling Silver Tea Set 5pc All Hand Chased '#6966'
Located in Big Bend, WI
Chantilly by Gorham
Exceptional Chantilly by Gorham Duchess sterling silver five-piece tea set - all hand chased. This set includes:
1 - Coffee Pot: Marked #732, measures 9" x ...
Category
20th Century Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Herend, three pairs of large porcelain teacups.
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Herend, three pairs of large porcelain teacups.
Hand-painted with polychrome floral motifs.
Pink rim.
Marked and dated 1944.
Perfect condition. Like new.
Cup: Diameter 11.0 cm. witho...
Category
1940s Hungarian Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
John R Wendt for Ball Black & Co Seven-Piece Medallion Sterling Tea & Coffee Set
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This neoclassical sterling silver tea and coffee set was designed by renowned 19th century silversmith, John R. Wendt (1826-1907). Recognized as "one of the best designers and chasers in the art", Wendt formed a highly successful partnership with Boston silversmith Augustus Rogers before moving to New York in 1860 to work as principal silversmith to important jewelry and silver retailer Ball, Black & Co. Wendt is known for his distinctive designs and examples of his work are held in the permanent collections of museums including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and Boston's Museum of Fine Art.
This Wendt sterling tea and coffee set...
Category
1860s American Neoclassical Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Chrysanthemum by Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Tea Pot #52907121 '#4131'
Located in Big Bend, WI
Tiffany & Co.
Fabulous Chrysanthemum by Tiffany sterling silver teapot marked #5960 7121, 3 pints, & 8 cups. It measures 11" x 5 1/2" a...
Category
20th Century Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Georgian Newcastle Sterling Silver Coffee Pot
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George II Newcastle sterling silver coffee pot, an addition to our Georgian silver teaware collection.
This exceptional antique George II Newcastle sterling silver coffee pot has a baluster shaped form onto a circular domed spreading foot.
One side of the body of this 18th century coffee pot...
Category
1740s English George II Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver, Silver
Brass & Stone Inlay by Justo "Coco" Castillo for Los Castillo, Mexico 1950's
By Los Castillo
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
Victorian 'Louis Pattern' sterling silver tea kettle made in London in 1877
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1877 by Martin & Hall, this attractive, Antique, Victorian Sterling Silver Kettle, is in the 'Louis' style, and stands on an ornate cast base with integrated ...
Category
1870s English Victorian Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Millie Taplin Art Deco Wedgwood Floral Painted Cup & Saucer
By Wedgwood
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very fine Art Deco Wedgwood floral cabinet coffee can and saucer by renowned designed Millicent (Millie) Jane Taplin (British, 1902-1980) and dating f...
Category
1930s English Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Stoneware
George III period sterling silver 'Drum' teapot hallmarked in London in 1774
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1774 by Edward Cooper, this very attractive, George III, Antique Sterling Silver Teapot, is 'Drum' shaped, with bright cut engraved decoration throughout, and...
Category
1770s English George III Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Sterling Silver
Herend, four pairs of large porcelain teacups. Dated 1944
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Herend, four pairs of large porcelain teacups.
Hand-painted with polychrome floral motifs.
Pink rim.
Marked and dated 1944.
Perfect condition. Like new.
Cup: Diameter 11.0 cm. withou...
Category
1940s Hungarian Vintage Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Early 19th Century Spode Porcelain Coffee Can All Hand Gilt Pattern, circa 1810
By Spode
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a good example of an English George III period, porcelain, coffee can (cup), made by Spode in the early 19th century, circa 1810.
The can is nominally straight sided and h...
Category
Early 19th Century English Regency Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Napoleon III Style Porcelain De Paris Coffee/Tea Service For 12 People-28 Pieces
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects.
Valuable and particular served in fine French porcelain in Napoleon III style; it is composed of 12 cups with a plate, a milk jug, a sugar bowl without a lid in the shape of a small cup so that it can contain sugar cubes or cookies, and two round trays with handles...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Napoleon III Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Antique George I Octagonal Silver Coffee Pot 1719 18th Century Early Georgian
Located in London, GB
An elegant Antique George I Solid Silver Coffee Pot in a traditional Tapered Octagonal shape width an Octagonal Domed Lid. The early Georgian C...
Category
18th Century English George I Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Silver
Antique Japanese Arita/Chinese Jingdezhen Saucer Dish and Cup Kakiemon
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very combination of two porcelain pieces;
Edo period, kakiemon figural garden scene
Qing period, Kangxi, Couple with a parasol in garden.
Additional information:
Material: Porcela...
Category
18th Century Japanese Edo Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Pair of Antique Chinese Porcelain Eggshell Saucers Yongzheng Period Bont, 18 C
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Sharing this unusual Dutch Decorated pair of Chinese Yongzheng Eggshel Porcelain cup and saucer. Top Quality.
References of similar pieces can be found in: European Decoration on Or...
Category
18th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Antique HB&H English Edwardian Silver Plated Tilting Tea Kettle Pot On Base
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Antique HB&H English Edwardian Silver Plated Tilting Tea Kettle Pot On Base. Circa Early 20th Century. Measurements: 12.5" H x 9.5" W x 5" D.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Tea Sets
Materials
Silver Plate
Dutch 19th Century Opaline Glass Tea Caddy with Silver CAP, circa 1870
Located in Delft, NL
Dutch 19th century Opaline glass tea caddy with silver cap, circa 1870
An Opaline glass tea caddy with white glass relief of leaves with silver cap. Dutch silver cap, made by the ...
Category
19th Century Dutch Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Opaline Glass
Beautiful Limoges Porcelain Mug by Jean Pouyat
By Jean Pouyat
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
"Beautiful Limoges Porcelain mug by Jean Pouyat"
Beautiful Limoges porcelain cup, by Jean Pouyat, Napoleon III period, XIXth Century
Measures: D: 1...
Category
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
Brown, Westhead, Moore/Cauldon Tea Set on Matching Lazy-Susan 12 Pieces
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This lovely tea set for four sits on a large lazy-Susan which spins the set around for easy access. Made at the turn-of the-century it evokes the genteel shape and practicality of a ...
Category
Early 20th Century English Chinoiserie Tea Sets
Materials
Porcelain
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.