Collecting antique cups and saucers

Collecting cups and saucers is a hobby that is very democratic. Price may range from as little as 25 cents at a flea market to $250 for very fine examples. Those who scoff at this area of collecting as being “common” really betray how little they know about it.

Cups designed specifically for coffee, tea or hot chocolate began in the seventeenth century - amazing, once you learn how long the beverages had been around. The reason for this has most to do with the development of the drinking vessels themselves. The earliest cups were made for the wealthy and were made of silver. Considering that all these drinks were consumed hot ( unlike the Chinese who drank their tea lukewarm), it became readily apparent that metal was not the material of choice.

The earliest utensils for tea drinking were small porcelain and stoneware bowls imported from China by the East Indian Company in the early 1600’s. These were not well suited to the Europeans who found them too hot too handle and messy from the hot liquid spilling over the edges of the shallow bowl. In the eighteenth century handles on these bowls became available, but again, only to those who could afford expensive beverage sets. By 1810, however, handles were fitted to the bowl creating the form we are now familiar with today.

I love teacups and saucers—not because I collect them (although I have to admit I do have a few), but because I associate them with very pleasant memories. I remember my Grandmother’s late evening lunches. Every Sunday my parents would bundle the four of us children to go visit my grandparents. The adults would play cards and we children would manage to amuse ourselves without the benefit of hand held video games. We eagerly looked forward to the lunch. My grandmother would set out a repast suitable for the Queen herself, and the myriad china teacups in all their beauty, would stand proudly as part of this feast for the eyes. It was a coming of age of sorts to be allowed to have half tea and half milk one of her tea cups instead of milk in a glass. I even had my own tea set, as many little girls of the early sixties did. Blue Mikado collection

Everyone, it seemed, had lots and lots of teacups. Manufacturers made them to stand alone—meaning they were not necessarily part of a dinner or tea service. A tea cup and saucer was considered a suitable gift for a bride to be, and entire bridals showers revolved around this custom. Many of these young brides, now years later, find themselves with a full supply of these lovely articles, unwilling to throw them away, but wishing a younger generation would appreciate them as they once did. But times have changed. It is sad to see how our major purpose in life seems to be to cram more and more into our busy lives, and not take the time to slow down and appreciate life. Washing a tea cup and saucer that cannot be put into a dish washer is considered a waste of time, yet the effort of creating a memorable setting when we entertain is always remembered much longer than the memory of washing that tea cup and saucer by hand.

Any serious tea drinker will tell you that tea is always best served in a proper tea cup—anything else is a travesty of tradition and refinement. So this Christmas, dust off those unloved and forgotten tea cups and use them as they were meant to be used . And for those of you who have never considered them, buy yourself one and enjoy that special moment … slowly.

Written by Johanne Yakula

12403 Stony Plain Road

If you would like to be the first to receive other articles on collecting antiques and collectibles as they are written for this web site click here to subscribe. Please forward this article or our web site address to someone who might enjoy it and don’t forget to add us to your favorites! Thank you!