When all else fails…stop and have a nice cup of tea
For something that is said to have been ‘discovered’ in China in 2737 BC, tea has certainly stayed the course, and so has earned the right to be taken seriously and of course that means seriously elegant drinking vessels.
Tea was adopted as a drink of choice by the elite in Europe from the 1500’s when trade routes to China opened. Chinese tea bowls were also imported and this style used until the mid 1700’s when English potteries developed drinking vessels with handles – the tea cup was born, but tea was expensive and so still not accessible to many.
A century later tea was affordable for all people and many English potteries turned out tea ware for the masses. Well known names of Spode, Masons, Royal Doulton, Wedgwood, Shelley, Coalport, Aynsley and one of my favourite potteries, Royal Albert has produced some of the most classic floral and pretty tea sets.
Since 1900 Royal Albert has produced patterns in every era, for every style and sometimes it seems they have reproduced every country garden flower and rose. Hands up those who remember seeing the best china “Old Country Roses” pattern china in their Grandmother’s, Aunt’s or Mother’s china cabinet.
A current style to mix ‘n’ match tea ware patterns brings a new fun twist on the traditional matching sets. Vintage tea cups also appear at the best dinner parties filled with chocolate mousse or trifle. They’ve even been spotted as candle holders and even herb or cactus containers!
I believe the enjoyment of tea is directly related to the drinking vessel selected and using familiar vintage, pretty, fine bone china ensures the full benefits of a ‘nice cup of tea’ – a remedy to cure whatever ails you.
Daphne Geisler of Vintage Treasures Martinborough
