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Tea Sets For Sale
Emilia Castillo Silver Plated & Malachite Tea Service Set, Mexican Modernism
Emilia Castillo Silver Plated & Malachite Tea Service Set, Mexican Modernism

Emilia Castillo Silver Plated & Malachite Tea Service Set, Mexican Modernism

By Emilia Castillo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

An exceptional and whimsical tea or coffee service set by celebrated Mexican designer Emilia Castillo, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, and embodying the finest traditions of Mexican si...

Category

1980s Mexican Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Malachite, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

Napoleon III Style Porcelain De Paris Coffee/Tea Service For 12 People-28 Pieces
Napoleon III Style Porcelain De Paris Coffee/Tea Service For 12 People-28 Pieces

Napoleon III Style Porcelain De Paris Coffee/Tea Service For 12 People-28 Pieces

By Porcelaine de Paris

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

Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set
Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set

Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set

$240Sale Price / set|63% Off

Franciscan, Desert Rose Tea Set

By Franciscan China 1

Located in New Orleans, LA

A true American Classic, Franciscan Desert Rose dinnerware has graced dining tables since 1941, including Air Force One as chosen by Jackie Kennedy and t...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Set of 2 Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup, 1980s
Set of 2 Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup, 1980s

Set of 2 Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup, 1980s

By Matteo Thun

Located in Hamburg, DE

Vintage Postmodern German Fantasia Series Teapot and Cup by Matteo Thun for Arzberg, 1980s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1980 to 1989 This piece has an attribution mar...

Category

20th Century German Post-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

19th Century Empire Old Paris porcelain tea and coffee set An early 19th Century Old Paris porcelain coffee, tea set with green painted French country scenes and gold paint. The gol...

Category

Early 19th Century French Empire Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

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

High Victorian Tea/Coffee Service by Sheffield Silver Co., England
High Victorian Tea/Coffee Service by Sheffield Silver Co., England

High Victorian Tea/Coffee Service by Sheffield Silver Co., England

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

Set  for Six People for Tea and Espresso by Ceramica Franco Pozzi Milano
Set  for Six People for Tea and Espresso by Ceramica Franco Pozzi Milano

Set for Six People for Tea and Espresso by Ceramica Franco Pozzi Milano

By Franco Pozzi

Located in Los Angeles, CA

this is a espresso set for six some of pieces have some dents and shown on the photos but is still usable no cracks Franco Pozzi work and exhibit with Gio Ponti in Milano.

Category

1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

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

Cinderella Sugar Bowl, Porcelain Handmade in Italy, Handcrafted Design 2021
Cinderella Sugar Bowl, Porcelain Handmade in Italy, Handcrafted Design 2021

Cinderella Sugar Bowl, Porcelain Handmade in Italy, Handcrafted Design 2021

By Mosche Bianche

Located in San Miniato PI, IT

Our artisan's pieces are a dream come true, as in Cinderella's fairytail. This ceramic piece is completely hand-crafted and painted with love and care. A set is consisting of a mi...

Category

2010s Italian Belle Époque Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Silver Plated Toucan Tea Service by Emilia Castillo for Los Castillo, Mexican
Silver Plated Toucan Tea Service by Emilia Castillo for Los Castillo, Mexican

Silver Plated Toucan Tea Service by Emilia Castillo for Los Castillo, Mexican

By Los Castillo, Emilia Castillo

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A whimsical and highly collectible four-piece silverplated tea service designed by celebrated Mexican artist Emilia Castillo for the legendary Los Castillo Silversmiths of Taxco, Mex...

Category

1980s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Onyx, Silver, Silver Plate, Brass

1920's German Bauhaus Ceramic Teapot by Margarete Heymann for Häel Werkstat
1920's German Bauhaus Ceramic Teapot by Margarete Heymann for Häel Werkstat

1920's German Bauhaus Ceramic Teapot by Margarete Heymann for Häel Werkstat

By Margarete Heymann

Located in New York, NY

Bauhaus design hand painted ceramic teapot by renowned artist Margarete Heymann, c. 1920's. Germany. Stamped with workshop hallmark on bottom. Margarete Heymann was born in August ...

Category

Early 20th Century German Bauhaus Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Cinderella's Mice Teapot, Handmade in Italy, Luxury Handcrafted Design, 2021
Cinderella's Mice Teapot, Handmade in Italy, Luxury Handcrafted Design, 2021

Cinderella's Mice Teapot, Handmade in Italy, Luxury Handcrafted Design, 2021

By Mosche Bianche

Located in San Miniato PI, IT

Our artisan's pieces are a dream come true, as in Disney's Alice in Wonderland. Ceramic tea service are completely hand-crafted and painted with love and care. Sometimes we all ju...

Category

2010s Italian Baroque Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Hand Carved Wood Teapot by Terry Evans
Hand Carved Wood Teapot by Terry Evans

Hand Carved Wood Teapot by Terry Evans

Located in Fort Washington, MD

This is a stunning hand-carved wooden teapot by Terry Evans. The craftsmanship is quite detailed, with intricate patterns and a smooth finish that highl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Organic Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Wood

Circa 1891-1911 Chinese Export Rose Medallion Porcelain Tea Service
Circa 1891-1911 Chinese Export Rose Medallion Porcelain Tea Service

Circa 1891-1911 Chinese Export Rose Medallion Porcelain Tea Service

Located in Chapel Hill, NC

Circa 1891-1911 Chinese export Rose Medallion porcelain tea service. Service for 6: cups & saucers, teapot, covered sugar & cream jug; each piece marked "China". C-scroll bamboo hand...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

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 Gio Ponti, PM Italy

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

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coffee and Tea Set, American Colonial
Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coffee and Tea Set, American Colonial

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coffee and Tea Set, American Colonial

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Sheffield, MA

Tiffany & company four-piece sterling silver coffee and tea set, circa 1940. Comprised of coffee pot, tea pot, sugar and creamer, all with faceted corners and monogrammed 'PPB', ...

Category

Early 20th Century American American Colonial Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Astronomici Teapot

Astronomici Teapot

By Fornasetti

Located in Milan, IT

Refined zodiac motifs cover this elegant hand-decorated porcelain teapot with gold accents, turning an everyday object into a true collector's item. Any minor discrepancies between s...

Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Asian Tea Set with Hand Woven Wicker Carrying Warmer Basket, Teapot and Mugs
Asian Tea Set with Hand Woven Wicker Carrying Warmer Basket, Teapot and Mugs

Asian Tea Set with Hand Woven Wicker Carrying Warmer Basket, Teapot and Mugs

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Asian tea set with carrying basket. 1 porcelain teapot, 2 porcelain tea mugs and a wicker carrying basket. Perfect for a trip to the garden for tea time or pi...

Category

20th Century Asian Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain, Wicker

Vintage Japanese Hand-Painted Porcelain Tea Set with Floral Motif
Vintage Japanese Hand-Painted Porcelain Tea Set with Floral Motif

Vintage Japanese Hand-Painted Porcelain Tea Set with Floral Motif

Located in Coral Gables, FL

A charming vintage Japanese hand-painted porcelain tea set, beautifully decorated with a bold red and orange floral motif over a soft ivory ground. The set includes a teapot, covered...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Eliel Saarinen for Alessi Limited Edition 925 Silver Samovar Tea Set
Eliel Saarinen for Alessi Limited Edition 925 Silver Samovar Tea Set

Eliel Saarinen for Alessi Limited Edition 925 Silver Samovar Tea Set

By Eliel Saarinen

Located in Berlin, DE

Rare limited edition samovar tea set designed by Eliel Saarinen after his original 1934 design and manufactured by Alessi under licence from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Detroit. Th...

Category

1980s Italian Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

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

Japanese Satsuma Moriage Porcelain Tea Set, Set for Six, Japan
Japanese Satsuma Moriage Porcelain Tea Set, Set for Six, Japan

Japanese Satsuma Moriage Porcelain Tea Set, Set for Six, Japan

By Satsuma

Located in Milano, IT

Japanese Satsuma Moriage Porcelain Tea Set, 19th Century An exceptionally decorative and highly evocative Japanese Satsuma Moriage porcelain tea service, dating from the 19th century, consisting of a teapot, creamer, sugar bowl, and six teacups with matching saucers. This elegant set immediately catches the eye with its richly ornamented surfaces, where deep tones, luminous gilding, and finely hand-painted figural motifs come together in a composition of extraordinary visual impact. Each piece is carefully adorned with traditional Japanese figures—likely inspired by courtly or legendary subjects—framed within intricate decorative cartouches and surrounded by elaborate ornamental motifs. A particularly noteworthy feature of this service is the use of the Moriage technique, characterized by its delicate raised enamel decoration, which creates a softly sculptural, almost three-dimensional surface. This refined treatment enhances the depth and texture of the decoration, giving each element a precious and tactile quality. The interplay between the rich gilding, the polychrome accents, and the relief work demonstrates the high level of craftsmanship associated with Satsuma ware. The set is further enhanced by a series of beautifully rendered details: elegantly shaped handles, finely decorated spouts, and especially the expressive finials modeled in zoomorphic form, which give the lidded pieces a distinctive and dramatic presence. The contrast between the richly decorated exterior and the lighter-toned interior of the cups adds an additional sense of balance and refinement. Each piece contributes to a harmonious and visually opulent ensemble, reflecting the fascination with Japanese decorative arts that flourished during the Meiji period and beyond. More than just a tea set, this is a work of art worthy of display—an object capable of enhancing a cabinet, salon, or formal interior with its character, elegance, and historical significance. This set, which originated in a private home in Milan, is in good overall antique condition, with minor flaws and signs of age consistent with its age and use. These slight imperfections do not detract from its beauty; rather, they speak to its authenticity and its history. Elegant, rare, and highly decorative, this Satsuma tea service...

Category

Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

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

Mason's Vintage Ironstone Nabob Coffee Cup and Saucer Set, 12 pieces, circa 1920
Mason's Vintage Ironstone Nabob Coffee Cup and Saucer Set, 12 pieces, circa 1920

Mason's Vintage Ironstone Nabob Coffee Cup and Saucer Set, 12 pieces, circa 1920

Located in Worcester Park, GB

Add that English charm to your table with this beautiful vintage Mason’s Ironstone “Nabob” coffee cup and saucer set with 6 cups and 6 saucers. Featuring the highly collectible Nabob...

Category

1920s English Victorian Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Set of Japanese Contemporary Blue Red Green Gold Porcelain Cups
Set of Japanese Contemporary Blue Red Green Gold Porcelain Cups

Set of Japanese Contemporary Blue Red Green Gold Porcelain Cups

Located in Takarazuka, JP

Exquisite set of six contemporary Japanese Ko-Imari (old Imari) porcelain short stem cups in stunning flower motifs, in vivid red, blue and green colors and gold color details that a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Japanese Tea Pot
Vintage Japanese Tea Pot

Vintage Japanese Tea Pot

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Japanese green-glazed ceramic teapot with hand-painted floral motifs and woven rattan handle.

Category

1980s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle
Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle

Antique George III Quality Copper Kettle

Located in Suffolk, GB

A fine George III copper kettle featuring a wonderfully rounded body, elegant swan-neck spout and shaped fixed handle. The kettle has a rich, warm patina that only true period copper...

Category

19th Century English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

"Bombè" Carlo Alessi 1945 Italian Design Steel Metal Tea and Coffee Set
"Bombè" Carlo Alessi 1945 Italian Design Steel Metal Tea and Coffee Set

"Bombè" Carlo Alessi 1945 Italian Design Steel Metal Tea and Coffee Set

By Carlo Alessi, Alessi

Located in Brescia, IT

Carlo Alessi 1945 design, Made in Italy. Stainless steel handles and knobs in applewood. The set includes coffee pot, 2 tea pots, milk jug, sugar bowl and oval tray. First edition with the old mark "Alfra...

Category

1940s Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vintage Large Silver Plated Pedestal Punch Bowl Set w/ 12 Cups - 14 Pc Set
Vintage Large Silver Plated Pedestal Punch Bowl Set w/ 12 Cups - 14 Pc Set

Vintage Large Silver Plated Pedestal Punch Bowl Set w/ 12 Cups - 14 Pc Set

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Large Silver Plated Pedestal Base Punch Bowl Set w/ 12 Pedestal Base Cups and Ladle (14 Pc Set). Circa Late 20th Century. Measurements: Punch Bowl: 12.25" H x 16" W x 16" D (...

Category

Late 20th Century Victorian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Alain Maunier 1960s French Ceramic Coffee Set
Alain Maunier 1960s French Ceramic Coffee Set

Alain Maunier 1960s French Ceramic Coffee Set

By Vallauris

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Incredible ceramic coffee set made by French ceramic maker Alain Maunier in Vallauris, 1960's. Set includes 1x large coffee pot with lid, 1x sugar bowl with lid, 1x creamer pot witho...

Category

1960s French Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Limoges Unique Porcelain Tea Service, Burgundy & Gilt, 20th Century
Limoges Unique Porcelain Tea Service, Burgundy & Gilt, 20th Century

Limoges Unique Porcelain Tea Service, Burgundy & Gilt, 20th Century

By Limoges

Located in LA CIOTAT, FR

An elegant and refined French porcelain tea service by Limoges Unique, France, dating from the mid-20th century, circa 1940–1960, beautifully showcasing the timeless sophistication associated with Limoges porcelain. Marked to the underside “Limoges France Unique...

Category

20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Paint, Porcelain

22-Piece Colorful Ceramic Breakfast Set by Italo Casini, Sesto Fiorentino
22-Piece Colorful Ceramic Breakfast Set by Italo Casini, Sesto Fiorentino

22-Piece Colorful Ceramic Breakfast Set by Italo Casini, Sesto Fiorentino

By Italo Casini

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

Six piece Dutch silver tea set by Van Kempen & Zn, 1894
Six piece Dutch silver tea set by Van Kempen & Zn, 1894

Six piece Dutch silver tea set by Van Kempen & Zn, 1894

By Van Kempen

Located in Delft, NL

Six piece Dutch silver tea set by Van Kempen & Zn, 1894 A six piece silver tea set in original box. The set consists of a teapot, a round sugar bowl, a milk jug, a spoon vase, a tea caddy and a glass with silver rim, raised on 3 ball feet coaster. The teapot and milk jug handles...

Category

19th Century Dutch Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Coffee Tea Set, 4 Pc Set
Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Coffee Tea Set, 4 Pc Set

Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Coffee Tea Set, 4 Pc Set

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique English Victorian Silver Plated Coffee Tea Set - 4 Pc Set. Item features (1) coffee pot, (1) tea pot, (1) creamer, and (1) lidded sugar bowl. Circa Early to Mid 1900s. Measur...

Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Seletti 'Hybrid-Leonia' Coffee Cup with Saucer in Porcelain
Seletti 'Hybrid-Leonia' Coffee Cup with Saucer in Porcelain

Seletti 'Hybrid-Leonia' Coffee Cup with Saucer in Porcelain

By Seletti

Located in Miami, FL

From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Silver Tray With A Booths Old Willow Pattern Tea Service
Silver Tray With A Booths Old Willow Pattern Tea Service

Silver Tray With A Booths Old Willow Pattern Tea Service

Located in Kent, Dover

A silver tea tray, engraved from a Dorset army regiment as a gift c.1919, complete with an English 'Booths Old Willow Pattern', tea service with six place settings. The tea service a...

Category

1910s English Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Modernist Teapot, 1960s
Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Modernist Teapot, 1960s

Lino Sabattini for Christofle, Modernist Teapot, 1960s

Located in København, Copenhagen

Lino Sabattini (1925-2016) for Christofle. Modernist teapot in silver plated metal, circa 1960. In very good condition. Stamped: Christofle Italy / ...

Category

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Vintage Victorian Silver Plated Coffee Pot & Tea Pot by National 3000 & 3001
Vintage Victorian Silver Plated Coffee Pot & Tea Pot by National 3000 & 3001

Vintage Victorian Silver Plated Coffee Pot & Tea Pot by National 3000 & 3001

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Vintage Victorian Style Silver Plated Coffee Pot & Tea Pot by National (3000 & 3001) - 2 Pieces. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: Coffee Pot: 11" H x 10" W x 5" D. Tea Pot: 9.5"...

Category

Mid-20th Century Victorian 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

Seletti "Hybrid-Isidora" Teacup with Saucer in Porcelain
Seletti "Hybrid-Isidora" Teacup with Saucer in Porcelain

Seletti "Hybrid-Isidora" Teacup with Saucer in Porcelain

By Seletti

Located in Miami, FL

From its very first year in 1964, Seletti in Cicognara, Mantova, has followed its principle of professionality service and constant research to strive for betterness innovation and o...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Modern 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.