Collecting Tea Pots

[Ellene Meece]

"Why teapots? Why not other standard ceramic forms - vases, platters, pitchers or bowls? In part it’s because teapots are multidimensional objects steeped in world culture and ceramic history. Also, the form makes its stand at the intersection of the art versus craft debate, probing limits in both directions, at times simultaneously.

Collecting teapots can be a very satisfying hobby that will take you across many eras of history, through many different designs and shapes. While no single article could ever hope to cover the breadth of what is involved in collecting an item, this article provides you with a brief overview of the things to consider when you want to get started in collecting teapots, so that you can begin your collection in an informed and directed way."

From article: How to Collect Teapots

Step 1

Get inspiration. Before you start collecting, it is important to know what you like about teapots. Check out collections and styles of teapots held or owned by other people that you know and try to see some exhibitions if possible. Here are some good resources to get your research started:

• Museums - especially museums concerned with design, with household items, with the way people used to live. Look out for teapot exhibitions, which are held regularly in different parts of the world. Even if you can't make one in another country, you might be able to browse some of the collection online through the museum or exhibitor's site.
• Books and magazines - look in antique and collectibles resources in the library, ditto for magazines.
• Antique and collectibles stores - browse around; you will be amazed at what you will find; and don't forget opportunity shops (charity stores) either - they will often have teapots.
• Friends and family - look at the items kept by people you know. Ask them questions about where they bought the teapot, why they bought it, how they feel about it, etc. It all goes towards informing you about how you will approach collecting teapots.

[Ellene Meece]

Has anyone ever found a "priceless" tea pot in a second hand store?

[Ellene Meece]

Antique Teapot Picture Gallery

By Barbara Crews, About.com Guide

Teapots found at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Unfortunately the light was not the best for taking pictures as flash is not permitted.

These antique teapot pictures are examples of the varied collection at the museum. Two vases are included from the Sevres collection. They are nice examples of soft-paste porcelain.

Images 1-8 of 8

Enter Gallery

Teapot, Rock Crystal with Gold	Silver Gilt Tea Kettle	Meissen Teapot -- 1726	Meissen Teapot
Hard-paste Teapot -- 1725	Hard-Paste Teapot -- 1740	Sevres Soft-paste Porcelain Vase	Sevres Potpourri Vase

[Ellene Meece]

Displaying the Teapots

"Using a collectible teapot as part of a theme tea is a great way to show it off. If you are having a theme tea party, a Valentine's Day tea for example, it is fun to use a cupid teapot, or one shaped like a heart.

When not in use teapots are a great decorating item, bringing masses of color wherever they are placed. Sitting atop the kitchen cabinets, these teapots can bring vibrant color and whimsy to nearly any style kitchen. With glass front cabinets, the teapots can be enjoyed while they are safely tucked away. Whether they are used often or displayed, these fascinating teapots are fun collectibles that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Using a collectible teapot as part of a theme tea is a great way to show it off. If you are having a theme tea party, a Valentine's Day tea for example, it is fun to use a cupid teapot, or one shaped like a heart.

When not in use teapots are a great decorating item, bringing masses of color wherever they are placed. Sitting atop the kitchen cabinets, these teapots can bring vibrant color and whimsy to nearly any style kitchen. With glass front cabinets, the teapots can be enjoyed while they are safely tucked away. Whether they are used often or displayed, these fascinating teapots are fun collectibles that can be enjoyed by anyone."

by Antiques-Love to Know

[Ellene Meece]

This tea pot was featured on 'What's it Worth? PriceMyItem.com. Wonder what price they put on it?? The owner said, "Thank you for your quick reply. I am really shocked at the price. I knew many people here wanted it, but probably figured I didn't know what I had and they wanted to buy it for nothing. I am glad I held on to it. Thanks again!"
- Ann N

Antique Transferware English Porcelain Tea Pot

[Ellene Meece]

Oh my! This is stunning!

Dream Time

[Ellene Meece]

Raindrops and Roses

[Ellene Meece]

Oh my! Look at this beautiful Christmas Tea Pot!!

Evergreen Holiday Tea Pot

[Ellene Meece]

Let's add a Thanksgiving tea pot to our collection!!

Norcrest Teapot and Creamer

[Ellene Meece]

I absolutely LOVE this Tea Set!

Victorian Tea Set

[Ellene Meece]

The most gorgeous porcelain tea pot collection! Love the touches of lace too...

Pinterest

[Ellene Meece]

This porcelain Tea Pot and set in lustre blue...just takes my breath away!

Lady M Vintage High Tea

[Ellene Meece]

"Luptak’s collection started innocently enough, at least five years ago, she recalls. That’s when her daughter bought Luptak her first teapot." Read Marie's story HERE...you may relate! :)