With these last few weeks being quite on the sad side...I found myself needing to wander, to roam, to explore, to get lost so to speak...and not at my usual haunts either...surprisingly, I found myself meandering through the cheerful gardens of antique tea cup land...on ebay no less!
My excursion started innocently enough...I was perusing the tea cup sections of ebay in the hopes of finding the perfect gift for a certain someone who shall remain nameless because I know that she checks in here frequently....
and without any warning what-so-ever, I found myself immersed in an abundance of floral bone china that looked like springtime itself and I became completely enchanted and absorbed in the beauty of these delicate pieces of tradition. A petal of an idea started forming... that there just might be a new collection on the horizon just waiting to be gathered into a wonderful porcelain bouquet.
I found myself being drawn in to the charming and lush styles of certain makers...Aynsley, Shelley, Foley, Paragon, Royal's such as Albert and Staffordshire...as well as some lovely old Bavarian and German sets.
This "garden" I was lost in was filled with a mixture of delicately sweet blossoms as well as vibrant and glorious blooms singing loudly that tea time with them would be a very happy occasion indeed.
My mother has had a beautiful collection of tea cups for years and one of my favorite things to do when visiting is picking which one to use when we have our coffee. I love that they are used...daily.
As much as I've always loved these tea cups...I've never purchased any of these dainties for myself. My infatuation with transferware and ironstone has always won out over the floral and lacey...but now, I believe spring fever has struck, and the rose colored glasses have most definitely been put on.
I imagined that Mary Poppins would have chosen this lovey set for her own particular use.
I wonder if the fact that I've been hanging out with the Bronte family in Victorian England and Brussels has anything to do with my attraction to these vessels from another era....
possibly....
or maybe I'm just ready for spring...for warmth...and the beauty that accompanies it. To walk aimlessly through a scented and abundant garden, breathing in the sweet air...losing oneself for a few blissful moments. For now though...during these gray, cold and melancholy days, a cheering escape amidst beautiful, flower laden cups will have to do, or better yet...
maybe even a nice cup of tea, enjoyed in one.(all images ebay)
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12 comments:
I love 'em all. Whenever I am fortunate enough to sip tea in a tea cup, and not a mug, I also think of the Bronte sisters in Victorian England. It's a wonderful daydream.
Hi Jessica; You have chosen so many beautiful tea cups, I adore them all. I think there is nothing more special than taking the time to have a slow conversation, sipping tea or coffee in a gorgeous cup and feeling like you have all the time in the world. It's like another time lost art. I wish I still lived down the road to have you over for scones, lemon curd and a gorgeous hot cup of tea! Big hug to you and wishing you a good weekend. xo
Purple Flowers~ I'm so glad you love them too...and the Bronte's! I love reading about their tea times...they were a soothing time for them (unless there was company!). xo
Deb~ I wish you still lived down the road too...I can't believe we were *that close* to being neighbors! It would have been lovely to have tea time with you...I could bathe in lemon curd and live solely on scones, it sounds perfect! Thanks for the hug and I'm sending a Texas size one back to you! xo
Jessie, these cups are so beautiful. I love all of them. Yes, you are right, I drink coffee every day from a different cup. Somehow you feel special doing this on a daily basis.
Did you purchase all of them?
Anyway, you took beautiful pictures (like always). Mampi
Gitzi~ I haven't purchased a one...I was just enjoying them whilst strolling through their pretty blooms online...all the images are from ebay...but if I ever do get a chance to have my own "garden" of tea cups, I'll most definitely be taking pictures and sharing them.
xo
All tea cups are absolutely adorable! I love them. Unfortunately I don't have any tea cups like those but I've received the greatest Valentine's gift today, a customized sign from http://www.ramsign.com . It's amazing :)
Gorgeous, Jessica...just gorgeous.
I do confess, however, I use my teacups for an espresso..they just aren't big enough for a cup of tea!
Tea requires, as my darling niece (V.'s daughter Kate) says "a big-ass mug"...bone china, of course!
Jacqueline...you're so right! These lttle tea cups are definitely more espresso size cups, I wonder if my triple shot would fit their pettiteness! xo
I have some pretty tea cups, however I love my white mugs which are simple and sturdy! I make tea almost every afternoon for my family-
pve
I love tea cups! I love the pictures. I have tons of them. My Grandma had a collection as I was growing up and when she passed, she left them to me. I have added to my collection over the years. It's funny, they aren't my style, design wise - meaning, I really have nowhere in my home to display them. But I do use them for "Ladies Lunches" now and again. There is something very sentimental for me about them. I just love your post!
~ Sue (Luna's mom)
Hello Sue, I'm so glad you enjoyed the post! How wonderful that you have so many sets with ans with such sentiment attached to them too..and you use them, that's the best part.
Thank you so much for visiting and hi to Luna!
xo
I remember my grandmother had teacups like this. I remember she gave one to me. I totally forgot, but remember it again after reading your blog. Through the years I did not like them at all. And now, I love them. I wished I had one!
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