Antique Tea Sets Are Perfect for Afternoon Tea
March 29, 2010 by Jordana Bourdeaux
Filed under Antiques
I cannot think of anything that is more English than a cup of tea. One truly English activity is having tea in the afternoon along with a scone, served in a beautiful antique tea set. Becoming popularly during the period of the Raj, tea was used to beat the humidity and avoid getting dehydrated. It soon became a widespread drink that everyone enjoyed and it still remains that way today.
Tea drinking gatherings were common in Britain's high society and became known as a high profile social event for times of relaxation after a long morning of hunting birds. The idea of this is to relax and forget about the morning hunt and prepare for an afternoon of playing billiards.
The early 18th century saw vast supplies of tea coming in from East India, and sated the growing appetite for a 'cuppa cha'. China was arriving from the east; at first mostly used as ballast. Once they had learned how to look after it, china tea sets followed. In the mid eighteenth century china clay was discovered in Cornwall, and the extraction led to a proliferation of bone china pieces being produced, in particular in the Staffordshire region. New home grown china pottery included tea services, dinnerware, and decorative items.
With the love of tea, elegant tea sets and pots began to be largely produced. Many were decorated by hand with fine art pieces. Collectors are reminded of the importance of this time in the history of Britain by these ornately decorated pieces.
An antique tea set is in high demand for collectors. At auction, a truly antique set in mint condition will bring a considerable quantity of money. All over the world, a large number of collectors are always in search of the best and most ornately decorated sets.
A number of these collectors will focus on only tea pots that can be ornately decorated and made from a number of materials such as stoneware, silver, porcelain or china. Although, a full antique set has month more worth than just one piece.
One well known English creator of teapots and sets is Royal Doulton. They began creating teapots and sets in 1815 and they are continually well known. As a true showing of the usefulness of the material, Royal Doulton is widely known by Englishmen because of their creation of pub toilets and urinals.
Wedgewood china is another popular name. Josiah Wedgwood started this company in 1759 and soon became known as the brand of the queen. In the 1800's porcelain became the new favorite among the people of high standing.
Mythology designs were common on Wedgewood creations, often taking from the myths of the Egyptians, Greek and Romans. The huge demand for these pieces was so incredible that it was no longer practical to get the materials from China. In order to deliver enough to meet demand, many were forced to use locally obtained materials as a substitution.
Silver tea services are also highly priced, made from plated or sterling silver they were seen as a status symbol and now fetch high prices at markets, auctions and antique fairs.
Want to find out more about antique stoneware, then visit Jordana Bourdeaux's site on how to choose the best antique tea set for your needs.
Tags: antique, Antiques, British, collectors items, kitchen, stoneware, tea, tea set