Collecting and Caring for Vintage Teacups
From Brenda Hyde
I've been collecting teacups and teapots for at least 20 years
now. I love them all, and look for bargains whenever I can,
plus I splurge on new items now and then too. Today I have
tips on the type of teacups you might find and a few on
storage and care.
PORCELAIN OR CHINA?
When you see descriptions you find that porcelain and bone
china is often mentioned. Porcelain is fired, then glazed, and
fired again, which allows for a very refined dish. The designs
are often very detailed and dainty. Bone china is made similar
to porcelain, but finely ground bone ash is added to the clay.
It's considered the strongest china and is very white. Fine
china or fine ivory china is also very strong and similar to the
bone china. Sometimes it will be strengthened with special
treatments. Casual china is something other than bone or fine.
It could be stoneware or earthenware, and you'll notice it's
heavier, not as dainty.
TYPES OF TEACUPS
There are many types of teacups available. The teacups we
tend to use for the traditional afternoon tea are the footed cup
and the flat teacup. The footed cup which usually has a saucer,
can be used for coffee or tea. It has design where the cup is
shaped at the bottom like a pedestal-- it will fit into the saucer,
which should be indented.
Flat cups will also most likely have a matching saucer, but are
flat on the bottom, instead of shaped. These can also be used
for coffee or tea as well.
Often you'll see Demitasse cups and saucers, which are lovely,
but traditionally are used for expresso or Turkish coffee. They
are much smaller, and work well for childrens' tea parties. Tea
and coffee mugs come in all shapes and sizes, and are especially
nice for breakfast tea. They are informal and I love looking for
whimsical designs to add to my collection.
TEACUP CARE
Never stack your cups more than two high, and if you have
room, it's better not to stack. Place soft cloth between the
cups if you do store them where they will be touching.
China shouldn't be washed in the dishwasher, especially if it's
vintage. Newer designs will often say they are dishwasher safe,
but if you plan on keeping them in the family and handing them
down later, it's best to handwash with a gentle dishsoap and dry
with a soft towel.
If you display your tea pieces be sure to keep them out of direct
sunlight, and gently wash them twice a year or so. Better yet, it's
nice to rotate the ones you use!
A note on metalllic trim, which is found on some teacups. These
should never be placed in the microwave. If the trim tarnishes
you can use a silver cleaner on it, but VERY gently.
One more note on collecting: Expensive tea sets are beautiful,
but be sure if you spend the money to own a nice set that you
use it. It doesn't truly become special until you have memories
to go along with it!
About the Author
Brenda Hyde is a Mom of three, a freelance writer and
editor of Old Fashioned Living.
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