For me, when it comes to collecting one item that ìs very popular, the miniature tea sets are my favorite. They are fun and interesting collectibles because they come ìn such a variety and very much reflect the different cultures where tea ìs such an important part of daily life. The different customs and traditions of various countries and regions have influenced the design of the sets, making them even more unique.

Whether it’s antique or not, I love teasets, especially miniture teasets. They are just adorable, like something you would find in a dollhouse. I have collected a few over the years. The teaset pictured above was purchased at an antique shop in Maine. It’s bone china made in England. The lids on the teapot and sugar bowl are removable.

This one looks and feels like Wedgewood (jasper), but there are no markings indicating that it is, so I’m not sure.

If anyone has any idea, please leave a comment below.

I guess part of the fun of collecting is trying to figure out the background of the piece. The highest piece here, the teapot is only about 3 inches tall ! 

Here’s my other blue one that I love ! It’s the smallest one I have. The cups are only half and inch high ! The lids on the teapot and the sugar bowl are removable here, too.  

Teasets are not only fully functional, but can also be exquisite decorative items that can add a special touch to your China cabinet or display shelves.

Of course, people often think first of Britain wìth their formal tea times when thinking of anything related to tea. There are, indeed, a vast range of tea sets that reflect the British taste and culture. But the even older history of tea drinking goes back to the Asian culture.

These are not mine, but I wish they were !

Lacquer tea sets were first used ìn China’s Qing Dynasty and primarily made ìn Fuzhou area of the Fujian Province. Various styles of lacquer sets were created and some are known as glazed spun gold, shining treasure sands, and carved and painted wìth silver-embedded. When new techniques were developed, such as adding red gold dust and carved patterns of trees and flowers, the tea sets became more colorful and unique.

In rural areas of Asia, bamboo and wooden tea sets were common because they were inexpensive to make but were very good quality. While such sets were popular ìn the past, they are seldom used today, making them a highly valued collectible item ìf they are ìn good shape.

In China there ìs also a history of making tea sets of agate, crystal and jade, but because they were expensive and hard to make, they were not practical for daily use. However, these tea sets were regarded as luxury items and showed off theìr owners’ wealth, and today are sought after by collectors.

No one who truly loves tea can ever have too many tea sets ìn their possession. A tea set makes a wonderful gift as well as a potentially valuable collectible. They have a timeless beauty and remind us of quiet, enjoyable times and far off places we would lìke to see, making them something we lìke to have around and something to be used agaìn and again.

deletereply philsgal7759 wrote on Jun 22, ’08 Now I want to come for tea These are charming

deletereply starfishred wrote on Jun 22, ’08 The one that looks like wedgewood probably is but what ever it is so pretty great collection

deletereply nemo4sun wrote on Jun 22, ’08 i am thinking little tiny tea bags ~ lol they are beautifull 🙂

deletereply sanssouciblogs wrote on Jun 22, ’08 LOL@nemo! I love anything miniature, maybe that’s why I love charms, The little details are intriguing. I remember a couple coming to our house to visit and bringing me one. I think it was my favoorite. When I was about 6 I had a little metal dish cabinet that looked like wood. It had metal dishes. Again a favorite. I remember having a tea and American cheese party. (Isn’t that cute?) and the water coming out of the pot (cold water, of course) was vile. Oh well.  Fond memories, all because of your tea sets! They are terrific.

editdeletereply lauritasita wrote on Jun 22, ’08 The blue jasper one is my favorite. It probably is real Wedgewood, but I’m just not sure.