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Tea Sets

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Tea Sets For Sale
Novelty Sterling Silver Sugar & Cream Set, Thistle & Bee, Birmingham, 2000
By Thistle & Bee, London
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 2000 by Thistle & Bee, this charming, Novelty Sterling Silver Sugar & Cream Set, is modelled to resemble a larg...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Cup and Saucer in Limoges Porcelain, France
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Cup and saucer in Limoges porcelain. Decorated with a rural landscape with rustic houses, trees and mountains in the background. The vibrant colors of the setting stand out against t...
Category

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

Materials

Porcelain

Art Deco Coffee and Tea Set, Silver 835, Germany, 1900-20
Located in Belmont, MA
Coffee and tea set silver, Germany 1900-20. This pretty coffee and tea set stands out for its geometric design of the early 20th century. The silver marks identify it as a German pi...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Silver and Copper Mug by Henning Koppel for Georg Jensen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A copper and silver mug.
Category

20th Century Danish Tea Sets

Materials

Metal

Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Cream Jug or Milk Jug, London 1856
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1856 by George John Richards, this very attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Cream Jug, stands on three scroll feet, and features a gilt interior, a...
Category

1850s English Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Christofle - 5pc. Original French Art Deco Sterling Silver Tea Set, 1920s !
Located in Wilmington, DE
Direct from Paris, the birth place of Art Deco, a stunning 4 pc. Art Deco “Gatsby Era” sterling silver tea set plus serving tray by France’s premier silversmith Christofle, silversmith to the Emperor, in like new condition, circa 1920s. The name Christofle is synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship, luxury, and innovation in the world of silversmithing. Founded in the early 19th century, Christofle has established itself as a preeminent maker of fine silverware, celebrated for its elegant designs and impeccable quality. Throughout the 19th century, Christofle expanded its repertoire and clientele. The company garnered significant attention at international exhibitions, including the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and the Exposition Universelle in Paris. These platforms showcased Christofle's ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with industrial innovation, setting new standards in silverware production. The 20th century saw Christofle continue to adapt and innovate. The company embraced modern design movements, including Art Nouveau and Art Deco, which profoundly influenced its aesthetic and production techniques. Despite challenges posed by global conflicts and economic fluctuations, Christofle maintained its reputation for quality and luxury. Christofle's commitment to excellence has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades over its long history. The company's participation in international exhibitions frequently resulted in prestigious honors, solidifying its reputation on the global stage. Christofle's association with royalty and nobility is a significant aspect of its illustrious history. The company has supplied silverware to numerous royal households and aristocratic clients, underscoring its reputation for quality and prestige. In the 19th century, Christofle became the official supplier of silverware to Napoleon III. This royal patronage provided the company with unparalleled visibility and credibility. The French court's endorsement of Christofle's products served as a powerful marketing tool, attracting affluent clients from across Europe and beyond. Christofle's appeal extended far beyond France. The company supplied silverware to various European royal households, including those of the Tsar of Russia and the King of Greece. These commissions often involved the creation of bespoke pieces, tailored to the specific tastes and requirements of the royal clients. Such high-profile commissions further enhanced Christofle's reputation as a purveyor of luxury and excellence. The Art Deco movement, which emerged in the early 20th century, profoundly influenced Christofle's design aesthetic. Characterized by geometric shapes, bold lines, and a focus on modernity, Art Deco represented a departure from the ornate styles of the past. Christofle embraced this movement, incorporating its principles into its silverware designs. Christofle's association with Art Deco is epitomized by its collaboration with renowned designers such as Jean Puiforcat and Luc Lanel. These designers brought a fresh, modern perspective to Christofle's creations, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements. The result was a series of silverware pieces that were both functional and artistically innovative. The Art Deco influence is evident in Christofle's use of clean lines, geometric patterns, and a focus on form and function. This aesthetic was a marked departure from the elaborate, decorative styles that had previously dominated silverware design. Christofle's Art Deco pieces are celebrated for their timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Among Christofle's most celebrated creations are its 950-sterling silver Art Deco tea sets...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate, Sterling Silver

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

DGH Goldsmith Danish Sterling Silver Tea Set of 4 Pieces Handwrought Grape Motif
Located in Big Bend, WI
DGH goldsmith Beautiful DGH goldsmith sterling silver 4-piece tea set. This set is handwrought and features a grape and leaf motif. It includes: 1 - Coffee pot: Measures 8" x 8...
Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

Four Ceramic Cups with Cars from Different Brands
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Four ceramic cups with cars from different makes. Each cup displays a detailed drawing of a historic model, accompanied by the name of the corresponding brand and the drink for which...
Category

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

Materials

Pottery

Georgian Shagreen Cased Tea Caddy Box with Pair of Chased Sterling Caddies, 1761
Located in Milford, NH
An exceptional George III shagreen cased tea caddy box with silver ball and claw feet, foliate chased silver key hole escutcheon plate, decorative scroll form handleplate and handle ...
Category

Mid-18th Century English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Modernist Sterling Hand Hammered Silver Coffee Service
Located in Montreal, QC
MODERNIST STERLING SILVER COFFEE SERVICE Modernist sterling hand hammered silver coffee service and tray, the walnut tray and handles inlaid wit...
Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique French Classical Silver Coffeepot
Located in New York, NY
French Classical silver coffeepot, 18th century. Baluster with silver-mounted stained and turned wood handle. Cover hinged with bud finial. V-form fis...
Category

18th Century French Neoclassical Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Antique Porcelain Lid Blue and White Chinese Landscape Qing Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Lid from a teapot in Blue and White palette. Landscape scene. Qing period. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 19th cen...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Porcelain Lid Cantonese Foo Dog Chinese Canton Qing Period
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Nicely made Lid from a teapot in Canton palette. Qing period. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Region of Origin: China Period: 19th century Condition: Chip to r...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Chinese Porcelain Qianlong Period Creamer Sauce Boat Flowers, 18th C.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A wonderfull and high quality painted creamer. Qianlong. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & Pottery Decoration Type / Colour: Imari Region of Origin: China Emperor: Kangx...
Category

18th Century Chinese Qing Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century French Neoclassical Copper and Brass Tea Server or Coffee Urn
Located in Dallas, TX
Elegant 19th century French neoclassical copper and brass tea server or coffee urn with a design inspired by ancient Greek Amphora. The urn featu...
Category

1880s French Neoclassical Revival Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Brass, Copper

Vintage Chinese Zisha Handmade Buddha Teapot
Located in 景德镇市, CN
This Vintage Chinese Zisha Handmade Buddha Teapot is an exquisite and rare collectible piece that blends the art of Chinese tea culture with spiritual sy...
Category

20th Century Tea Sets

Materials

Clay

Stylish Modernist Design Sterling Silver Coffee Set - John Michael Driver 1974
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1974 by John Michael Driver, this incredibly stylish, Sterling Silver Coffee Set, comprises a coffee pot, cream jug and sugar bowl,...
Category

1970s English Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Flowery "George Sand" Breakfast Cups for 2
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

"Compact" Ceramic Tea Set by Ambrogio Pozzi for Ceramica Franco Pozzi, 1960s
Located in Milan, IT
"Compact" tea set by Ambrogio Pozzi for Ceramica Franco Pozzi. Set composed by one pitcher, six cups with plates, tea pot and sugar box. The set was distinguished for Compasso d'Or...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

2 Flowery "George Sand" Dessert Plates
Located in Paris, FR
Very original set of 2 earthenware dessert plates in the "George Sand" set. It's named this way because inspired by the famous set created by the French ma...
Category

2010s French Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

20th Century Chinese Export Solid Silver Kettle On Stand, Sun Shing, circa 1900
By Sun Shing
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th century Chinese export solid silver tea kettle on stand, the body chased in relief with floral decoration, the domed lids mounted with a bamboo finial. The kettle ...
Category

20th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Blue and white tea set c 1725, Qing dynasty, Yongzheng reign
Located in seoul, KR
The teabowl and saucer set depicts botanical elements and butterflies, motifs rich in symbolism within Chinese culture. Butterflies often represent transformation and immortality, wh...
Category

1720s Vietnamese Qing Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

20th Century Japanese Meiji Solid Silver Four Piece Boxed Tea Service, c.1900
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
20th Century Japanese silver four piece tea set, consisting of a teapot, sugar bowl, lidded cream jug and sugar tongs, exceptional quality, double walled, embossed with with chrysant...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

French Faience Yellow Ground Pot-de-creme Set with Platter, circa 1890
Located in New York, NY
Marked "X" underneath probably for Moustiers, France. Comprising 10 cups and covers and one platter.
Category

1890s French Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Faience

Pekka Turtiainen Silver Samodorok a Sugar Bowl 1 Cream Jug Sweden 1970 Stamped
Located in Paris, FR
Pekka Turtiainen, A sugar bowl and a cream jug with outer surface in Solid silver samodorok technique, Helsinki 1972. Stamped Gilt interiors. Width o...
Category

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

Materials

Silver

Grann & Laglye Danish Sterling Silver Tea Set of Four Pieces SKU 0407
Located in Big Bend, WI
Grann & Laglye. This lovely sterling silver four-piece tea set was made by Grann & Laglye of Denmark. The pieces have a three-D flower motif with beads on the finials, handles, and ...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

25 Piece Rice Porcelain Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg Coffee Set for Arabia
Located in North Miami, FL
25 piece rice porcelain set designed by Friedl Holzer-Kjellberg for Arabia. Set has 12 plates, 12 cups and small sugar bowl. The plate measures 4.75"x...
Category

1950s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Contemporary Set of 2 Chubby Mugs Hand Painted Porcelain Green Pink Gold
Located in Roma, RM
“I have been creating artworks and installations for a long time. Then over the past several years, pottery has absorbed most of my expressive energy. I follow an empirical, yet intu...
Category

2010s Italian Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Helmet Style Victorian Sterling Silver Cream Jug, London, 1895
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1895 by Thomas Bradbury & Sons, this handsome, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Cream Jug, is in the 'helmet' style, and features shaped sides, an oval foot...
Category

1890s English Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Carl-Harry Stalhane / UE TEA POT / Rorstrand / 1950s
Located in Shibuya-Ku, JP
A work by Carl-Harry Stalhåne, who led Rorstrand's golden age in the 1950s alongside Gunnar Nylund and worked as a designer and art director. After his first exhibition in 1948, he s...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Stoneware

German Art Deco Silver Tea & Coffee Set by Handarbeit
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco style 800 silver tea and coffee service set consisting of five pieces (tray, pot, coffee pot, sugar jar, creamer jug). The ...
Category

1910s German Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Vallauris Coffee Set, Gray Brown Ceramic, France, 1950
Located in Paris, FR
Original signed Vallauris French Mid-Century Modern cups creative design full Coffee set made in ceramics. 6 cups diameter 8-8,5cm H 7 cm 6 saucers L 11 cm x L 11.5 cm x P 2 cm Ja...
Category

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Sterling Silver Sugar Basket & Spoon in Box, London 1914
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1914 by skinner & co. (the spoon by George Guirren Rhoden, sheffield 1910), this charming, antique sterling silver sugar basket...
Category

1910s English Neoclassical Revival Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Chinese Bronze Daoist Figure on Small Teapot - 1930s
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Antique Chinese Bronze Daoist Figure on Small Teapot - 1930s Antique - Asian decoration Measures : 13cmx9cm H:10cm Wear consistent with age and use : See Photos
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Tea Sets

Materials

Bronze

Worcester Porcelain Milkmaids Pattern Coffee Cup and Saucer, circa 1770
Located in Tunbridge Wells, GB
Worcester Porcelain Milkmaids Pattern Coffee Cup and Saucer, circa 1770 Additional Information: Date: c.1765-75 Period: George III Marks: None Origin: Worcester, England Colo...
Category

18th Century English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Vintage Boho Floral Carlton Ware Tea Set of 21
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a splash of charm to your collection with this Vintage Boho Floral Carlton Ware Tea Set of 21. Each piece is adorned with vibrant, hand-painted floral designs that embody bohemia...
Category

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

Materials

Ceramic

Coffee Service With Tray Tommi Parzinger Dorlyn Silversmith
Located in Atlanta, GA
A coffee or tea serving set designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmith. The set is made of heavy brass and newly rechromed in a nickle finish. It consists of a pitcher with w...
Category

1970s American Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Steel, Chrome

Three-Piece Tea Set with Tray by Walter Von Nessen for Chase
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three piece tea set with round tray by Walter von Nessen for Chase, USA, c.1930s. The set includes a tea pot, creamer and sugar bowl with Bakelite handles. The round tray showcases a...
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Copper

American Aesthetic Movement Silver Plated Tea Set By Meriden B Company
Located in Norwich, GB
American Aesthetic Movement silver plated tea set by Meriden B Company. Circa 1880. This joyful set comprises a small tea pot, milk jug with gilt in...
Category

Late 19th Century American Aesthetic Movement Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Octagonal Victorian Silver Kettle & Stand, 1844
Located in London, GB
Superb Victorian silver kettle, octagonal in form with beautifully hand-chased decoration of scrolls, stylised leaves and flower heads. The silver kettle...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Early 21st Century Villeroy & Boch Flora Bella Coffee Pot
Located in Birmingham, AL
Coffee Pot & Lid Flora Bella by Villeroy & Boch with large multi-color flowers against a white background on the exterior. There is red trim on the spout & on the handle as well as o...
Category

Late 20th Century German Art Deco Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Large Antique French Restauration Etruscan Silver Coffeepot
Located in New York, NY
Large French Etruscan 950 silver coffeepot, circa 1820. Ovoid body with spool neck, side-hinged cover, and raised and round foot. Upright S-spout with ram’s head mouth, and low relie...
Category

Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Art Deco Sterling Silver Cafe Au Lait, London 1929 Goldsmiths & Silversmiths
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1929 by Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co., this stylish, Sterling Silver Cafe Au Lait Set, is in the Art Deco taste, and is octagonal in shape. Each measures 9.75...
Category

1920s English Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Elkington & Co., 3 Piece Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set, Birmingham 1918/1919
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1918 and 19 by Elkington & Co., this very handsome, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set, comprises a teapot, su...
Category

1910s English Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Engraved & Octagonal George III Period Sterling Silver Coffee Pot - London 1801
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London in 1801 by George Smith II & Thomas Hayter, this large and fine quality, George III, Antique Sterling Silver Coffee Pot, is octagonal in shape, standing on a ped...
Category

Early 1800s English George III Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

William III Britannia Standard Dram Cup Made in London by Nathaniel Lock, 1698
By Nathaniel Lock
Located in London, GB
A Very Fine & Rare William III Britannia Standard Dram Cup Made in London in 1698 by Nathaniel Lock. This very fine piece stands on an applied reeded ring foot and the baluster side...
Category

17th Century English Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Wedgwood Basalt Tea Set
Located in East Hampton, NY
Wedgwood basalt tea set consisting of nine pieces. Individual measurements: Two pitchers 7.25" H x 7" W x 4.25" D Three saucers 4.25" Diameter Three t...
Category

20th Century English Tea Sets

Materials

Rock Crystal

Villeroy and Boch Coffee or Tea Pot Izmir Collection, Luxembourg, 1973
Located in Bastogne, BE
Villeroy & Boch Izmir Collection Coffee Pot in Vitro Porcelain. Rare edition. Porcelain coffee pot or teapot with Izmir pattern made by Villeroy & Boch of Luxembourg in 1973. The...
Category

1970s Luxembourgish Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

3 Piece Antique Chinese Silver Tea Set
Located in London, GB
Classic Chinese export silver tea set comprising teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl made in the Liang Sheng ?? workshop. For thousands of ye...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Flowery Tea Cups for 2 "George Sand", red color
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful set of 2 earthenware tea cups in the "George Sand" collection. These tea cups feature an elegant and detailed design, adorned with a raised pat...
Category

2010s French Tea Sets

Materials

Earthenware

CHAD Teapot, Designed by Matteo Thun in 1982. For the collection Memphis Milano.
Located in Beirut, LB
The Chad teapot (1981) disrupts the habitual characteristics of the object, thanks to a circular form with a hole in the middle. Matteo Thun wagers on white for a series of objects ...
Category

1980s Italian Modern Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Porcelain

Stoneware Colourful Unique Tea Cups
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Olé Tea - Coffee Cups are an addition to the collection Olé, a tribute to the Flamenco culture. Built and glazed by hand, this is a unique piece. Materials: Ceramics stoneware, gla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Tea Sets

Materials

Stoneware

Set of Early 20th Century Antique Silver Teaspoons by J. Tostrup
Located in London, GB
Set of early 20th century antique silver teaspoons by J. Tostrup Norwegian, 1911 Measures: Spoons height 13.5cm, width 3cm Box height 4cm, width 29cm, depth 7.5cm Consisting of twelve teaspoons, this beautiful silver set features ornate detailing on each stem. Within a finely engraved border, each teaspoon's stem is marked with tiny pattern detailing and a central lettering. The undersides are marked 'S.830. J. Tostrup. 1911', indicating the silver purity, maker and date. J. Tostrup was a Norwegian silversmith firm founded in Oslo in 1838 by Jacob Tostrup...
Category

Early 20th Century Norwegian Tea Sets

Materials

Silver

Engraved Victorian Sterling Silver Tea Set - 3 Piece - Urn Shape - 1876
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1876 by Roberts & Belk, this very attractive, Victorian, Antique Sterling Silver Tea Set, is 'Urn' shaped, and features wonderful engraved decoration throu...
Category

1870s English Victorian Antique Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

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

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

Antique Sterling Silver Cafe Au Lait Set, London 1913 William Comyns
Located in London, London
Hallmarked in London, 1913 by William Comyns, this handsome, antique sterling silver cafe Au Lait, are plain in style, and feature loop wooden side handles, reed borders, and bead de...
Category

1910s English Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver

Andlovitz Guido Design for Lavenia Italy/Laveno Set of Four Cups with Plates
Located in Biella, IT
Andlovitz Guido design for Lavenia Italy/Laveno set of four cups with four plates good condition for the set except two little defect in two cups that you...
Category

1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Tea Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Antique, New and Vintage Tea Sets

Ready to serve high tea and brunch for your family and friends? Start with the right antique, new or vintage tea set.

Tea is a multicultural, multinational beverage and isn’t confined to any particular lifestyle or age group. It has humble beginnings, and one of its best-known origin stories places the first cups of tea in 2700 B.C. in China, where it was recognized for its medicinal properties. Jump ahead to 17th-century England, when Chinese tea began to arrive at ports in London. During the early 1800s, tea became widely affordable, and the concept of teatime took shape all over England. Today, more than 150 million people reportedly drink tea daily in the United States.

Early tea drinkers enjoyed their beverage in a bowl, and English potters eventually added a handle to the porcelain bowls so that burning your fingers became less of a teatime hazard. With the rise in the popularity of teatime, tea sets, also referred to as tea service, became a hot commodity.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, teakettles and coffeepots were added to tea services that were quite large — indeed, small baked goods were served with your drink back then, and a tea set could include many teacups and saucers, a milk pot and other accessories.

During the early 1920s, a sterling-silver full tea service and tray designed by Tiffany & Co. might include a hot-water kettle on a stand, a coffeepot, teapot, a creamer with a small lip spout, a waste bowl and a bowl for sugar, which the British were stirring into tea as early as the 18th century.

But you don’t have to limit your tea set to Victorian or Art Deco styles — shake up teatime with an artful contemporary service. If the bold porcelain cups and saucers by Italian brand Seletti are too unconventional for your otherwise subdued tea circle, find antique services on 1stDibs from Japan, France and other locales as well as vintage mid-century modern tea sets and neoclassical designs.

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