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Teapots have been around for centuries and have a vast history that might surprise you. These objects also underwent many upgrades that altered their appearance. Below you’ll discover more behind this essential tea tool and how you can differentiate between its antique styles.
Teapot History
The teapot first appeared in China during the 1500s. Early teapots were known for their purple color which was due to the special clay they were molded out of. Unlike today, users wouldn’t pour the tea into a cup, but rather brew the leaves and then drink the liquid out of the spout.
Eventually, the teapot was introduced to Japan with the help of traveling Chinese businessmen. As globalization emerged, Europe was soon gifted with teapots during the 17th-century thanks to Chinese imports.
Teapots became a staple in the continent and inspired many European artists to make their own. Numerous explorers brought the teapot with them during their travels which helped introduce it to more places throughout the world, such as India.
As settlers began living in the New World, they designated Boston as the center of teapot making. Rather than fashioning clay into a teapot, craftsmen would fuse silver and pewter segments. These items soon spread throughout the country as more colonies became states.
Vintage Teapot Styles
Georgian
Georgian teapots are known for their smooth round body that connects to a short spout. Created during the late 1700s, it was one of the first Western teapot styles. However, it wasn’t always the most practical as the spout had a large opening that caused tea to spill out quickly.
Louis
This type is embellished with Baroque and Rococo-inspired designs. Used during the Victorian era, it often has a flowery texture around the circumference and small feet to prop it off of the table.
Art Deco
Art deco teapots are popular for their mixture of straight lines that merge into quirky angles. This teapot uses a circular base to lift it from the table rather than feet.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne teapots are famous for their vertical composition. This made the teapot appear taller than it was. Most have a curved spout and an angled handle so you can easily grasp it as you pour.
Indian
Indian teapots look similar to Louis teapots but have a more intricate appearance. Most are furnished with silver and are one of the most sought-after teapots because of their distinctive looks.
Bachelor
Bachelor teapots are the smallest option because they were meant for only one person to use. This allowed someone to easily make a cup of tea for themselves rather than a large batch that might go to waste. Bachelor teapots come in various designs with some mimicking art deco or Queen Anne ones.
How to Date a Teapot
While a teapot might look old, that doesn’t always mean that it’s an antique. Here are a few ways you can determine the age of your teapot.
Look at the Features
One of the best ways to date your teapot is to examine its features.
A common indicator that your teapot is old is by looking at the spout holes. If there are three or four, it’s an antique. Since these teapots were made by hand, look for irregular circles and slight imperfections around the holes.
Because these were designed by artisans, many would carve their initials or the date into the bottom. If they were produced by a company, they might instead feature a unique emblem. This is especially so with teapots that were manufactured during the 19th-century. You can carefully flip the appliance upside down to see if there are markings.
The last thing to consider is the shape of the item. Before the 1700s, teapots were round. Afterward, they slowly became more oval or pear-shaped. It wasn’t until a century later that the sides were straightened.
Check for Blemishes
You might also want to inspect the teapot for marks and scratches. While these could slightly lower the value of the teapot, they assist you in correctly dating it.
The best way to tell if you have an antique teapot is to look at the handle. If it appears worn or has embedded finger smudges, it’s probably an old model.
Weigh It
Another way to tell the age of a teapot is to weigh it. Antique teapots will be much heavier than their modern counterparts because they were constructed out of heavy pieces like silver and pewter.
Consider its Size
Antique teapots will be very small. This is because tea was quite expensive centuries ago. Tea drinkers would only ration a small amount each time, so a large teapot would be considered excessive.
Can You Drink Out of Vintage Teapots?
You can drink out of them, but there are a few things you’ll want to consider. For instance, if your teapot is hundreds of years old, it’s best to keep it as a display piece. Overusing it could wear down its components and make it more susceptible to breaking.
Some vintage teapots might also be covered with toxic lead paint. Because of this, if it’s glazed with vibrant colors, you probably don’t want to risk drinking out of it.
Where Can I Find Antique Teapots?
If you’re interested in collecting antique teapots, there are plenty of places you can scavenge for them. Today, the best option is to do an online search. Many times, sellers will provide information about the teapot and its current condition so you can determine if it’s worth investing in.
You can also visit antique stores or flea markets. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll come across some, many times these will surprise you with an occasional rare teapot.
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Keep in mind that you might need to reference history guides or books to help you determine the style and age of the teapot. This might be time-consuming, but it will help you better understand the history and purpose of the specific model.
Teapots have been used for centuries around the world to help people brew tea. While they have taken on various styles over the years, they remain an important fixture in homes.
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