History of the Cuppa
- 2737 Legend has it that the 2nd Emperor of China accidentally discoved tea when leaves blew into his cup of hot water
- 1657 First tea sold in London as health beverage
- 1662 Tea drinking becomes popular at the Court of Charles II (1630-1685) At over $100 a pound, tea was a luxury enjoyed only by the wealthy.
- 1717 First tea shop opens in London by Thomas Twining, formerly Tom's Coffee House.
- 1785 Eleven million tons of tea imported to England. By 1797, per capita tea consumption reached 2 pounds per day!
- 1835 East India Company founds tea plantations in India
- 1840 The Afternoon Tea Ritual introduced in England by Duchess of Bedford
- 1869 Suez Canal opens, shortening trip to China. Plant fungus attacks Pacific rim coffee crop, tea consumption soars.
- 1908 Tea bag invented by importer Thomas Sullivan
- 2007 Tea Pots continue to be highly popular collectible
Tea Drinking
Tea drinking became popular in England during the reign of Charles II whose wife, Queen Catherine of Braganza, introduced it to her court. Originally touted in 16th century Europe as the health drink responsible for the longevity of the Chinese people, tea was a luxury drink for the wealthy, but by 1699, everyone from Barons to bricklayers were enjoying their cuppas.
Collectible Teapots and Tea Related Items
Because of the overwhelming popularity of the beverage itself, it's not surprising that teapot and tea related paraphenalia are sought by collectors all over the world. Teapots can be porcelain, pottery, or silver, and there is a ready audience for everything from Georgian silver to Chinese porcelain, to contemporary teapots in whimsical shapes and figures.
The Victorians loved teapots made to look like people or animals. Or, people AND animals. Unusual figurals are eagerly sought and bring high prices. A Hull Little Red Riding Hood Teapot circa 1930-1940's recently sold on eBay for $130. Tea Caddies are also popular. These are the containers in which the wealthy kept their stash of tea, safe and fresh. These are often mini cabinets, beautifully wrought in expensive materials like silver, ivory, and rosewood, suitable receptacles for a precious commodity.
The earliest teapots were small, holding no more than 2 cups of the expensive beverage. Teapots have evolved since the earliest years, and experts can roughly date antique pots based on their size and shape. Teapots also have crossover appeal. Anyone who collects pottery is bound to have a few teapots mixed in with the vases. As with any collectible, condition plays its part in value. Older pots frequently have chips on the inside rim where the lid sits on the body of the pot, and on the spout as well. Chipped pots make nice shelf pieces, but do not bring top dollar.
REFERENCE:www.2BASNOB.com (history of tea) Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide 37th Edition Krause Publications 2003
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