The tea set was purchased from a dealer at the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts. He told me that he buys estates and sells all the contents through auctions, antique shows and tag sales.
He pointed out the red oxide, hand painted floral and leaf motifs as well as hand-less bowls/cups with deep saucers and a waste bowl. The tea set is a hard-paste ceramic, with a bright white and durable finish. The dealer believed it was made in China for the American Market during the late 18th century. The set was made for a wealthy family who could afford to buy tea and sugar, which were expensive commodities during this period.
I took my time looking over the tea pot. I touched the cups and noticed that they were translucent when held up to the sun. When buying antiques and collectibles it's good to develop an eye for visual cues. Touching and holding items also allow me to know how a piece is supposed to feel. If I'm sure I don't buy.
The center piece of this set has an oval classic form with a wonderful upside down S handle. This set would have been displayed with pride. The painted decoration is simple and clean. The white is gleaming and translucent when held up to the light.
Creamer is elegant with its high scrolled handle and swan neck spout
Hand-less bowls and saucers. (Not hand-less cups)
Large waste bowl.
Detail of waste bowl (upside down view) with #22 painted on the bottom. It was the only piece with a marking. It must have been part of a larger set. Its amazing that these pieces have survived for 200 years without being broken or split up any further.
Notice the tea stain on the spout of the tea pot.
Overall view of set. This collection would be perfect in a corner cupboard in a Georgian style home like Mount Pleasant Park in Philadelphia, which is an amazing mansion to visit. Philadelphia was the premier city in the late 18th century for fashion and business.
The overview view
I never use a dishwasher to wash this tea set. The best results is with warm water toward a cooler temperature and mild soap like Ivory. I never use a scrub pad or nylon brush but a soft cotton towel.
Advice I was given for caring for antique dinner plates after a holiday dinner.
If you have a sticky mess on your plates soak the in warm water and baking soda. It will loosen the grim and grease without scrubbing. A stain can be removed with a solution of 2 parts peroxide, 1 part water. Apply this paste mixture on the stain and let sit.
Thank you. If you have any questions or would like to contact me, please email me at antiquetyrant@gmail.com
