Do you have "rules" regarding teacup collecting? For instance, you buy only ones with pink roses on them, or only Christmas ones, or only solid color ones, or only bone china ones? Anything? I'm just curious, because I bought this $4 set over the weekend since it was pretty but also because I'm stocking my future tearoom, and I realized $4 and under is my "must purchase" price for teacup and saucer sets in good condition. If it had been $5, I could have left it, even though I think it's pretty. I imagine myself standing in that tearoom one day, after the dishwasher (or patron) has accidentally broken a teacup (or saucer), and I am going to wish I'd bought those cheap sets when I had the opportunity.
But I also realized I have a real "thing" for scallops, especially the scallop shapes on this saucer. So ... this set had a lot going for it: price, shape, condition.
I also thought the rose design was pretty, and although it wasn't as "pink" as I would like, it was pretty and vintage enough that I would be happy to have it in my tearoom one day. I'm actually open to a lot of different types of teacups, but that set me to thinking about how it's easier to list what I *don't* like in teacups:-- Footed teacups (they're pretty, but they seem wobbly to me; I do, however, like footed teacup ornaments because I don't have to use them!)
-- Iridescent teacups (I just don't personally care for iridiscence on my teacups; if you do, I hope we can still be friends!)
-- Uncomfortable handles on teacups (I believe it was tea friend Maureen who recently mentioned "handle comfort" to me, and I realized I, too, prefer a handle I can hook my finger through and don't have to pinch)
-- Too heavy a teacup (some of the new, cheap, made-in-China teacups are actually pretty but they weigh a ton and would be quite uncomfortable to use)
Obviously, I've given this way too much thought! But what about you? Any teacup quirks you can share?
I'm not stocking my future tea room, so I don't buy very many, but the ones that catch my eye are ones that have cobalt blue, gold, and white designs or geometrical designs. I like the scallops, but I'm leaving all the ones with pink roses for you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful cup and saucer and well worth the price.
ReplyDeleteIs the tearoom a near or far dream/reality? I too wanted to do that but God lead me to a Tea Ministry at church and I couldn't be happier.
We had ladies donate china -mostly cups ,saucers and salad plates- and we do the tables all mix and match. OH ,the assortment of colors,shapes and handles is such fun.
Very pretty cup. I really have no technique when buying, they really have to catch my attentin though with either price or design. I'm with you and Maureen though, the handle is important as well as the tilt of the lip of the cup. I have a lot of cups that were given as gifts that I do not use just for that reason. They are not comfortable to hold and that kind of defeats the purpose of taking tea. A comfortable, relaxing time.
ReplyDeletePS Loved the previous post- I laughed so hard.
That teacup is very pretty. I like the scallops (my favorite shell btw), gold trim and the price. And yes, the handle is very important to me, even more so than color and shape. The very enjoyment of the tea is fostered by the teacup.
ReplyDeleteI'm really hoping that your future tearoom will be in the NEAR future.
As far as the timeline for my tearoom (or tea business), I have often said my goal is to do it when I turn 50 -- which means 5 more years! Ever since I read that British book about "thrift store tea rooms" a few months back, I have been thinking about that idea. My mom loved it and said she would love to stock the thrift store part and me do the tea room. So ... stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteI too have wanted to have a tea room someday. I wish I could say when I am 50. I will have tea cups if you should need any. I do get most of mine at yard sales and thrift stores so I usually top out at $2/set. I have always wanted to have a room for vintage/ thrift things. It would be dubbed the "green" room.
ReplyDeleteI certainly will plan a trip to Georgia around your grand opening!
I really don't collect, but I must have about 50 teacups. Now where did they come from. $4. is a good price, when most of the ones I see are in the $20 range (way too much). Comfort is priority and then it is just what I like, nothing more. Scallops would be nice, but hadn't thought of that.
ReplyDeleteA tearoom in your future? Do you have a time table set for this?
Well Angela, when the day comes to open your tea room- please let me cook- 'cause you KNOW I want to so much!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty teacup and saucer. I "collect" English-made teacup and saucer trio sets, but I would never be able to pass up a pretty teacup and saucer for that price.
ReplyDeleteI buy only what appeals, no color or design preference though I have loved the Petit Point ones I recently discovered since cross stitch is my passion. There are only two real criteria for tea cups besides cost for me: the handle has to be big enough to hold comfortably and the cup has to hold a reasonable cup of tea.
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely cup and saucer, and the price you paid seems like a "steal" to me. The only place I've been able to find nice quality pieces like that are in antique stores or consignment-type stores, and they always seem to be priced at $16 and over. (Another reason to leave SoCal and move to the South!)
ReplyDeleteIf you move here, Carol, I will *personally* give you a tour of some great antique stores and malls!
ReplyDelete"Handle comfort" is high on my list, and I only like thin-lipped teacups, not any sort of thick china. A vintage Welbeck cup and saucer is at the top of my Teacup Wish List.
ReplyDeleteWe only buy English, French, and German/Bavarian, though over the years others have caught our eye so we do have some exceptions. We also only get the thinner type, not the heavier porcelain. And our max. is $10, so $4 is very reasonable!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely it is to be visiting your blog...........I have just held a vintage high tea for 140 ladies with my vintage teaups and so I will confess here and now I adore the beautiful way a cup fills with tea and the comfortable way you can pick it up to sip the hot tea..........your new teacup and saucer is a gem.
ReplyDeleteLee-ann
I've got a lot of tea cups. Only one time have I intentionally purchased a cup and saucer set, simply because "I had to have it" (and that was a difficult decision, to pick ONLY one) was at the Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum in Austin, Texas, a replica of the set Mrs. Johnson had designed for the White House china. Because I picked only one, I was also able to pick up a book copy of photos, autographed. Had to pass on the autographed copy of the "White House Diary" by Mrs. Johnson...All were at a good sale price, but out of money, alas!
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