How to Collect Vintage Teacups

There is something about the human race which drives us to collect all manner of beautiful things. In this world of amazing and wonderful creations, there is no shortage of things we might collect. I am here to tell you about just one of them: the vintage teacup.

Vintage teacups are unique in the world of collectibles. They are beautiful as well as functional. The best vintage teacups combine fine craftsmanship, amazing artistry, and historical significance.

Those just starting to collect teacups may feel a bit overwhelmed about where to begin. There are several ways that one could go about structuring a new collection of vintage teacups.

You might choose to focus on only vintage teacups from certain well known and respected porcelain makers. Most fine vintage porcelain teacups will have the maker’s mark printed right on the bottom of the cup and matching saucer.

Some highly collectible teacup makers to watch for in your searching are Aynsley, Shelley, Paragon, Wedgewood, Royal Albert, Elizabethan, Tuscan, Lenox, and Queen Anne. This is by no means an exhaustive list of makers: just some of my favorites.

One could also build a beautiful collection of vintage teacups that were produced only by makers from certain parts of the world. Porcelain teacups produced in Bavaria or Germany often has a unique look. Porcelain makers from this part of the world are known for their high quality, delicately beautiful work.

Everyone knows how much the English love their tea, and turns out they love their teacups as well. So many of the finest teacups ever produced have come out of the UK. A collection of vintage teacups produced only in England would be a fine collection indeed!

Vintage teacups from Japan are also highly sought after commodities in the world of collecting. Those teacups produced in Japan during the US occupation of that country from 1945-1952 will usually have a mark that reads “Made in Occupied Japan” or something similar on the base. Some collectors focus only on collecting Japanese teacups from that specific time period.

Still, other folks simply collect the vintage teacups that most catch their eye. The variety of designs, colors, and styles available is really quite exciting. There is really something for everyone when it comes to collecting Vintage teacups.

Here are some things to look for when collecting vintage teacups:
  • Make sure the teacup and its saucer are a matching set. A fine teacup just isn’t a teacup without its matching saucer and some antique dealers will miss match teacups with saucers from other sets or makers. Always check both pieces carefully for matching designs and maker’s marks before making a purchase.​
  • Check carefully for any chips or cracks in the porcelain. These can sometimes be hard to see. Running your fingers lightly over the surface and edges of the cup will often reveal flaws that your eyes might easily miss.  
  • Avoid teacups that have crazing in the finish. Crazing is the tiny hairline cracks that can appear on the surface of some inferior porcelain over time, or if porcelain is stored in improper conditions. Most of the time if you find crazing on a piece of porcelain, that is a good reason to pass it by. Some exceptions to this rule are exceptionally old or rare pieces.
  • Vintage teacups with hand painted designs are somewhat rare, but highly collectible and always a treat to find.
  • The most important thing though is to look for vintage teacups that you love. With so many different types of vintage teacups available, you are sure to find some that truly inspire you, and, after all,  that is the real fun of collecting these porcelain beauties!

Happy collecting and may your tea be sweet!

Want to get started collecting right now? Check out our current selection of lovely vintage teacups available for sale right now.

Thank you for your business; we appreciate it.

-Kim Greeno