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Tea Sets For Sale
Vintage Sterling Silver Coffee Jug by Brighton College, 1953
Vintage Sterling Silver Coffee Jug by Brighton College, 1953

Vintage Sterling Silver Coffee Jug by Brighton College, 1953

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage Elizabeth II English sterling silver coffee jug in the Design style; an addition to our silver teaware collection This exceptional, fine and impressive vintage sterling silver coffee jug has a plain circular rounded form in the Design style. The surface of the coffee jug is plain and unembellished, with a planished finish. The coffee jug is fitted with a hinged hallmarked circular domed cover surmounted with the original impressive carved wood finial. This fine example of vintage teaware is fitted with the original carved wood C-shaped handle, in the iconic Design style, with a continuation of the arch to the plain silver sockets. The coffee jug is supported by a plain circular swept foot. NOTE: This piece has been crafted in the same institution known for educating the renowned silversmith Gerald Benney; he spent his early years studying at the Brighton Art College between 1946-1948. His father the patiner E. E. Sallis Benney was Principal of the college and he bore further encourament from his mother, who was also a gifted silversmith. Condition This vintage coffee jug...

Category

1950s British Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Tea Set- 9 Pieces
Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Tea Set- 9 Pieces

Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Tea Set- 9 Pieces

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

A Vintage Boho Studio Pottery Tea Set – 9 Pieces is a delightful and unique addition to any collection or tea service, blending the earthy, handcrafted beauty of studio pottery with ...

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Pottery

Ermanno Nason for Vetreria Cenedese, Rare Glass Orientalist Teapot, Italy, 1964
Ermanno Nason for Vetreria Cenedese, Rare Glass Orientalist Teapot, Italy, 1964

Ermanno Nason for Vetreria Cenedese, Rare Glass Orientalist Teapot, Italy, 1964

Located in New York, NY

Provenance: Archive of Cenedese Glassworks, Murano, Italy. Ermanno Nason designed this beautiful teapot for Vetreria Gino Cenedese in 1964. It is composed of a milky, opaque glas...

Category

1960s Italian Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Glass

Paris Porcelain Coffee Service in Charles X-Style
Paris Porcelain Coffee Service in Charles X-Style

Paris Porcelain Coffee Service in Charles X-Style

Located in Paris, FR

Paris porcelain coffee service in Charles X-style. Each of the 6 exquisite pieces features delicately hand painted cartouches with polychrome fl...

Category

19th Century French Charles X Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Flesh Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli
Flesh Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Flesh Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Located in Geneve, CH

Flesh Doobide crockery set by Alfredo Häberli Limited edition of 10 sets per color. Materials: dyed porcelain, painted by hand in platinum. Dimensions:...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Jean E Puiforcat Tea and coffee set 4 pieces Art Deco silver CIRCA 1930
Jean E Puiforcat Tea and coffee set 4 pieces Art Deco silver CIRCA 1930

Jean E Puiforcat Tea and coffee set 4 pieces Art Deco silver CIRCA 1930

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

4-piece solid silver tea/coffee set, cutaway design, silver handles and stylized wood and silver grips, including coffee pot, teapot, milk jug and covered sugar bowl. Monogrammed LD....

Category

Early 20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Fine Qing Dynasty Four Piece Silver Coffee and Tea Service by K.W
Fine Qing Dynasty Four Piece Silver Coffee and Tea Service by K.W

Fine Qing Dynasty Four Piece Silver Coffee and Tea Service by K.W

By Kwan Wo

Located in London, GB

Kwan Wo, Chinese, active from 1875. The handles and spouts modelled as bamboo shoots, decorated overall with dragons and clouds in relief, marked 'K.W'. Total weight 1474.18gr, cof...

Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Green Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli
Green Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Green Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Located in Geneve, CH

Green Doobide srockery set by Alfredo Häberli Limited Edition of 10 sets per color. Materials: Dyed porcelain, painted by hand in platinum. Dimensions: Teapot: D 16 x W 16 x H 18 cm. Teacup: D 6,5 x W 6,5 x H 5,6 cm. Available in Beige, Green, Flesh, Grey and Blue. Doobide Collection is inspired in emirates’ society coffee tradition and has been designed to celebrate BD 50th anniversary. The collection consitist of a limited edition of 50 numbered crockery sets...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Crystal Marble Fragment Vase by Jang Hea Kyoung
Crystal Marble Fragment Vase by Jang Hea Kyoung

Crystal Marble Fragment Vase by Jang Hea Kyoung

By Jang Hea Kyoung

Located in Geneve, CH

Crystal marble fragment vase by Jang Hea Kyoung Artist: Jang Hea Kyoung Materials: Crystal resin and marble Dimensions: 24 x 9 x 7 cm Jang Hea Kyoung is based in Seoul, Republic of Korea. She searches for Craft elements and makes modern object and furniture through the experimental designing process. She approaches the things in a curious mind and suggests a different perspective though she's own aesthetic. Fragment series...

Category

2010s Korean Organic Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Marble

ANTIQUE 1844 WILLIAM MOULSON CUT GLASS STERLING SiVLER SUGAR SHAKER MUST SEE!
ANTIQUE 1844 WILLIAM MOULSON CUT GLASS STERLING SiVLER SUGAR SHAKER MUST SEE!

ANTIQUE 1844 WILLIAM MOULSON CUT GLASS STERLING SiVLER SUGAR SHAKER MUST SEE!

By William Moulson

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this stunning 1844 early Victorian Sugar Shaker with fully hallmarked Sterling Silver top made by the great ...

Category

1840s English Early Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

20th Century Italian Silver Kettle Queen Ann Style
20th Century Italian Silver Kettle Queen Ann Style

20th Century Italian Silver Kettle Queen Ann Style

By Arval Argenti Valenza

Located in VALENZA, IT

Kettle in 800 solid silver, octagonal shape with handle and feet. The classic octagonal body of the Queen Ann style rests on its support with 4 legs, always octagonal. The warmer is ...

Category

1990s Italian Queen Anne Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Big Ear Mug by Siup Studio, Ceramic, Post-Modern Design, Poland, 2023
Big Ear Mug by Siup Studio, Ceramic, Post-Modern Design, Poland, 2023

Big Ear Mug by Siup Studio, Ceramic, Post-Modern Design, Poland, 2023

Located in Geneve, CH

Big ear mug by Siup Studio. Dimensions: D9 x W16 x H8cm. Materials: Ceramics. Siup is a small design studio based in Warsaw. The concept is created by three friends – Martyna Dy...

Category

2010s Polish Post-Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Antique French Sarreguemines Milk Jug, Early 1900s
Antique French Sarreguemines Milk Jug, Early 1900s

Antique French Sarreguemines Milk Jug, Early 1900s

Located in PARIS, FR

Discover the timeless charm of this antique milk jug, crafted in the early 1900s by the renowned French ceramic maker Sarreguemines. Made of fine faie...

Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Faience

17th Century Bronze Dipper
17th Century Bronze Dipper

17th Century Bronze Dipper

Located in Marseille, FR

17th century bronze scoop with character heads on the start of the handle, height 32 cm for a width of 31 cm and a depth of 16 cm. Additional in...

Category

17th Century Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

Glass Milk Jug, Italy, 1980s
Glass Milk Jug, Italy, 1980s

Glass Milk Jug, Italy, 1980s

Located in Roma, IT

Glass Milk Jug is an original decorative object realized in the 1980s. Hand made glass milk jug with black plastic and metal cover with handle. Includes label. Made in Italy. ...

Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Group of Six 19th Century French Copper Kettles
Group of Six 19th Century French Copper Kettles

Group of Six 19th Century French Copper Kettles

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Group of six continental copper spouted and handled kettles. One marked "Carlstom Yarberg" and another "SKS Wasa." Period: 19th century Origin: Continent...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

Plastic Coffee Set by Erik Magnussen for Stelton, Denmark
Plastic Coffee Set by Erik Magnussen for Stelton, Denmark

Plastic Coffee Set by Erik Magnussen for Stelton, Denmark

By Stelton, Erik Magnussen

Located in Roma, IT

This plastic coffee set is a decorative object designed by Erik Magnussen for Stelton during the second half of the 20th century. Plastic set made in Denmark. It includes: - a coffee pot. Dimensions: cm 30 x 10.5 (diameter). Weight: 745 gr. - a cup with cover. Dimensions: cm 9,5 x 8 (diameter). Weight: 85 gr. - a sugar bowl. Dimensions: cm 5.5 x 10,5. Weight: 95 gr. All the pieces are in excellent conditions: no missing piece, the set is complete. Beautiful black coffee set...

Category

Late 20th Century Danish Tea Sets

Materials

Plastic

Antique Silver-Plated Bronze Tea Set by WMF, Art Nouveau, Circa 1900
Antique Silver-Plated Bronze Tea Set by WMF, Art Nouveau, Circa 1900

Antique Silver-Plated Bronze Tea Set by WMF, Art Nouveau, Circa 1900

By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik

Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C

Silver-plated bronze tea and coffee set, 5 pieces, model 149. Made by the WMF-Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik (1853 to the present). “Art Nouveau Domestic Metalwork, from Wurttem...

Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Bronze

Fouquet Lapar - 3-piece Art Deco solid silver tea and coffee set
Fouquet Lapar - 3-piece Art Deco solid silver tea and coffee set

Fouquet Lapar - 3-piece Art Deco solid silver tea and coffee set

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Sterling silver set, consisting of a teapot, a coffee pot, and a covered sugar bowl with a vermeil interior, cylindrical in shape with threaded decoration, hinged lid for tea and cof...

Category

1930s French Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

1971 -RAVINET D'ENFERT: 5-piece tea/coffee set Metal, Plexiglass
1971 -RAVINET D'ENFERT: 5-piece tea/coffee set Metal, Plexiglass

1971 -RAVINET D'ENFERT: 5-piece tea/coffee set Metal, Plexiglass

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Tea and coffee set including : Teapot Coffeepot Milk jug Sugar bowl Round platter Dimensions H: 28 cm; D: 10 cm H: 6 cm; D: 10.3 cm H: 16 cm; D: 5 cm Ligne Actuelle" ...

Category

Late 20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

Set of 6 Finely-Cut Regency Waterford Custard Cups, c1825
Set of 6 Finely-Cut Regency Waterford Custard Cups, c1825

Set of 6 Finely-Cut Regency Waterford Custard Cups, c1825

Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB

Set of 6 Finely-Cut Regency Waterford Custard Cups, c1825 Additional information: Period : George IV Origin : Gatchells and Walpole, Waterford, Ireland Colour : Clear Bowl : Cup-sh...

Category

19th Century Northern Irish George IV Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Glass

Pair of George III Tot Beakers Made in London by John Emes, 1801
Pair of George III Tot Beakers Made in London by John Emes, 1801

Pair of George III Tot Beakers Made in London by John Emes, 1801

By John Emes

Located in London, GB

A Rare Pair of George III Tot Beakers Made in London in 1801 by John Emes. The Beakers are modelled in an unusual size and were almost certainly used for drinking something strong. ...

Category

19th Century English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Pair of Hand-Painted Porcelain Cups with 22k Gold Detailing, 1960s
Pair of Hand-Painted Porcelain Cups with 22k Gold Detailing, 1960s

Pair of Hand-Painted Porcelain Cups with 22k Gold Detailing, 1960s

Located in PARIS, FR

This exquisite pair of hand-painted porcelain cups from the 1960s showcases fine craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Standing at 4 cm in height with a 5.5 cm diameter, each cup is a...

Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Early 19th Century Hand Painted Porcelain Spode Cabinet Trio, circa 1825
Early 19th Century Hand Painted Porcelain Spode Cabinet Trio, circa 1825

Early 19th Century Hand Painted Porcelain Spode Cabinet Trio, circa 1825

Located in Central England, GB

A Rare Early 19th C Spode Cabinet Trio, Circa 1825 This superb early Spode distinctively decorated regency period porcelain cabinet trio consists of a saucer, teacup, and coffee c...

Category

19th Century English Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

1880 Dutch Teestoof Bucket Planter Ebony Walnut
1880 Dutch Teestoof Bucket Planter Ebony Walnut

1880 Dutch Teestoof Bucket Planter Ebony Walnut

Located in Potters Bar, GB

These buckets were originally used as braziers for holding charcoal and a tea-kettle Crafted from moulded staves of ebony, walnut and holly and has original brass liner We date thi...

Category

19th Century Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Other

Flowery "George Sand" Breakfast Cups for 2, red color
Flowery "George Sand" Breakfast Cups for 2, red color

Flowery "George Sand" Breakfast Cups for 2, red color

By Aude Clément

Located in Paris, FR

Very original set of 2 earthenware breakfast cups in the "George Sand" set. This breakfast cup features an elegant and detailed design, adorned with a raised pattern of strawberry ...

Category

2010s French Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

2 White Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates
2 White Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates

2 White Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates

By Aude Clément

Located in Paris, FR

Set of 2 white plates from the George Sand Collection These plates feature a white background that creates a striking contrast with the intricate decorations surrounding the edge. T...

Category

2010s French Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

2 Blue Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates
2 Blue Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates

2 Blue Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates

By Aude Clément

Located in Paris, FR

Set of Two Blue Plates from the George Sand Collection These plates feature a blue background that creates a striking contrast with the intricate decorations surrounding the edge. T...

Category

2010s French Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

2 Red Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates
2 Red Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates

2 Red Flowery "George Sand" Dinner Plates

By Aude Clément

Located in Paris, FR

Set of Two Red Plates from the George Sand Collection These plates feature a deep, vibrant red background that creates a striking contrast with the intricate decorations surrounding...

Category

2010s French Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

Silver teapot with shell shape and chestnut wood handle
Silver teapot with shell shape and chestnut wood handle

Silver teapot with shell shape and chestnut wood handle

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Silver teapot with shell shape and revealed handle in chestnut wood and resting on three raised feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: European. Mark: Absent. Weight: 327.51 gr...

Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Fluted silver teapot with raised surround and hinged lid
Fluted silver teapot with raised surround and hinged lid

Fluted silver teapot with raised surround and hinged lid

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Fluted silver teapot with raised surround and hinged lid. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 340.28 grams. Dimensions: 9.5cmx22cm. Co...

Category

19th Century Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Spiral silver teapot with chestnut wood handle and resting on a round base
Spiral silver teapot with chestnut wood handle and resting on a round base

Spiral silver teapot with chestnut wood handle and resting on a round base

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Spiral silver teapot with chestnut wood handle and resting on a round base. Metal: Silver. Origin: German. Brand: Unknown. Weight: 269.91 grams. Dimensions: 15x14cm...

Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Smooth silver coffee pot, with beaded edges and hinged lid with knob
Smooth silver coffee pot, with beaded edges and hinged lid with knob

Smooth silver coffee pot, with beaded edges and hinged lid with knob

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Plain silver coffee pot, grooved surround and hinged lid with pommel. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Mark: standing eagle. Weight: 633.01 grams. Dimensions: 24x...

Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

George III period 19th century sterling silver cream jug - London 1806
George III period 19th century sterling silver cream jug - London 1806

George III period 19th century sterling silver cream jug - London 1806

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1806, this handsome, George III, Antique Sterling Silver Cream Jug, stands on four ball feet, and features a gadroon border around the rim, and a gilt interio...

Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Smooth silver coffee pot w/ 4 exposed feet, lid w/ knob & standing on 4 feet
Smooth silver coffee pot w/ 4 exposed feet, lid w/ knob & standing on 4 feet

Smooth silver coffee pot w/ 4 exposed feet, lid w/ knob & standing on 4 feet

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Plain silver coffee pot with four revealed feet, lid with knob and resting on four feet. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: javali II Title. Weight: 467.37 grams....

Category

19th Century European Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Coffee pot in perforated silver, floral checkered motifs & hinged lid w/ knob
Coffee pot in perforated silver, floral checkered motifs & hinged lid w/ knob

Coffee pot in perforated silver, floral checkered motifs & hinged lid w/ knob

Located in Porto, PT

Description: Perforated silver coffee pot, checkered floral motifs and hinged lid with pommel. Metal: Silver. Origin: Portuguese. Brand: Porto Corôa. Weight: 479.95 grams. Dimensions...

Category

Early 18th Century European Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Flowery "George Sand" Breakfast Cups for 2
Flowery "George Sand" Breakfast Cups for 2

Flowery "George Sand" Breakfast Cups for 2

By Aude Clément

Located in Paris, FR

Very original set of 2 earthenware breakfast cups in the "George Sand" set. It's named this way because inspired by the famous set created by the French ...

Category

2010s French Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver Sugar And Cream Set, Chester 1905
Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver Sugar And Cream Set, Chester 1905

Edwardian Antique Sterling Silver Sugar And Cream Set, Chester 1905

By Nathan & Hayes

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in Chester in 1905 by Nathan & Hayes, this charming, Antique Sterling Silver Sugar And Cream Set is comprised of a sugar bowl that measures 4"(10cm) tall, by 6.5"(16.5...

Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Deco Enameled Ceramic Teapot Mustard with Sculptural Double Handle, Italy
Art Deco Enameled Ceramic Teapot Mustard with Sculptural Double Handle, Italy

Art Deco Enameled Ceramic Teapot Mustard with Sculptural Double Handle, Italy

Located in Beirut, LB

A rare and vibrant example of early 20th-century Italian ceramic design, this Art Deco teapot dates to circa 1930. Rendered in a bold mustard-yellow glaze, the piece embodies the op...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Neoclassical Revival Glass Lined Gilt Sterling Silver Sugar Basket from 1921
Neoclassical Revival Glass Lined Gilt Sterling Silver Sugar Basket from 1921

Neoclassical Revival Glass Lined Gilt Sterling Silver Sugar Basket from 1921

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in Sheffield, 1921, this delightful George V, sterling silver sugar basket has pierced decoration, a gilded finish, and floral swag engraving. The swing handle and rim are...

Category

1920s English Neoclassical Revival Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

18th-Century Colonial Solid Silver Mate Cup
18th-Century Colonial Solid Silver Mate Cup

18th-Century Colonial Solid Silver Mate Cup

Located in Madrid, ES

Antique solid silver mate cup from the late 18th century, crafted in the Colonial style. This finely made piece reflects the traditional silverwork of the period, with an elegant and...

Category

1770s Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Crystal Marble Fragment Vase by Jang Hea Kyoung
Crystal Marble Fragment Vase by Jang Hea Kyoung

Crystal Marble Fragment Vase by Jang Hea Kyoung

By Jang Hea Kyoung

Located in Geneve, CH

Crystal Marble Fragment Vase by Jang Hea Kyoung Artist: Jang Hea Kyoung Materials: Crystal resin and marble Dimensions: 21 x 8 x 21 cm Jang Hea Kyoung is based in Seoul, Republ...

Category

2010s Korean Organic Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Marble

Blue Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli
Blue Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Blue Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Located in Geneve, CH

Blue Doobide Crockery set by Alfredo Häberli Limited Edition of 10 sets per color. Materials: Dyed porcelain, painted by hand in platinum. Dimensions: ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Grey Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli
Grey Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Grey Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Located in Geneve, CH

Grey Doobide crockery set by Alfredo Häberli Limited Edition of 10 sets per color. Materials: dyed porcelain, painted by hand in platinum. Dimensions: ...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Beige Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli
Beige Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Beige Doobide Crockery Set by Alfredo Häberli

Located in Geneve, CH

Beige Doobide Crockery set by Alfredo Häberli Limited Edition of 10 sets per color. Materials: Dyed porcelain, painted by hand in platinum. Dimensions:...

Category

2010s Spanish Modern Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

G. LECOMTE – 4-piece tea/coffee service in solid silver, ART DECO period, 1925
G. LECOMTE – 4-piece tea/coffee service in solid silver, ART DECO period, 1925

G. LECOMTE – 4-piece tea/coffee service in solid silver, ART DECO period, 1925

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

A flat-bottomed model, the rounded body features pinched ribs, the necks are accented with a triple fillet, and the lids of the two teapots feature a silver thumb rest. The handles a...

Category

20th Century French Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Coalport Saucer
Antique Coalport Saucer

Antique Coalport Saucer

Located in Tampa, FL

A circa 1820s Coalport saucer. Provenance is from one of Atlantas premier antique shops. Jane Marsden.

Category

1820s English Antique 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.