Silver Teapots

May 3, 2010 by Thomas Howard  
Filed under Tea Pots

Do you ever wonder about the first teapots and what they were like as you are pouring yourself a cup of tea from your lovely porcelain teapot? Historians aren't 100 percent sure where the teapot originated.

One theory states that in the sixteenth century, Chinese potters in a town called Ishing created small, individually sized teapots which were given the name "Boccarro" by the Europeans who discovered these pots amongst the various teas that had been shipped to their country from China. It's said that they used the Boccarro, which means "large mouth" in Portuguese, as a model for some of the initial teapots created in Europe.

Another theory discounts the Chinese history, and states that those in China did not even use teapots! Rather, they brewed their tea right in the cup that they drank it from, so no pot was necessary. This seems feasible, as you can still see this technique used in certain Chinese restaurants.

The First Teapot?

Yet another explanation for the first teapot has been drawn from 16th century Europe coffeehouse practices. A type of Islamic coffee pot was hugely popular during this period, and it is believed that the first teapots were designed to look like this pot.

Also, the Chinese had developed a container to be used for holding wine that was to be served at table. This was called a wine vessel, and it was shipped to the European countries stuffed with native Chinese tea leaves in order to hopefully prevent breakage during its long journey.

Many people were unsure as to the original purpose of this container, and assumed that since it arrived full of loose tea that it was meant to be used with the tea! The rounded shape of the wine vessel set the pattern for a good many of the teapots that were later produced in Europe.

Porcelain Comes of Age

It wasn't long after this that teapots began to come out of Europe, but they were quite different from what we think of as teapots today! They were created out of a very heavy pottery material and had replaceable spouts, for this was a part of the teapot that often got broken.

Some imaginative designs also saw the light of day, such as pots shaped as plants and animals. However, due to the quality of the workmanship and of the pottery that was popular then, these were not considered to be good quality teapots at all.

About this time, a new type of porcelain was discovered in Europe that was clearly of a higher quality than ever before. It even rivaled the fine porcelain China was known for! Teapots began to come into their own then, and were designed with ornate handles and spouts to complement their rounded shapes.

The middle class people of Europe began to clamor for more and more teapots, as they had gotten wind of how those of the upper classes enjoyed afternoon tea each day, and wanted to mimic them.

This is when such famous porcelain manufacturers such as Spode and Wedgwood began to create their beautiful pieces, and the first silver tea services also came into the picture, with a young Paul Revere as one of the best known silversmiths of that time. The silver teapots were made in various shapes, including a lovely drum shape, and some had feet to help protect the tabletops.

Novelty Teapots

Teapots during the 1800s were noted for being quite different from any previous styles! They were designed in all sorts of "arty" styles that reflected the popular arts and crafts of the Victorian era. Art Nouveau, Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and others were appreciated for their novelty alone.

This type of teapot continued to be made until around the 1920s, when people began to prefer function over form, and wanted to use a plainer teapot. But the 1930s were the age of Art Deco, and this was reflected in the teapots of that time. Designed to look like such items as airplanes, race cars, and trains, they were quite colorful and quite appealing!

During World War II, people made do with the teapots they had. Not very many teapots were manufactured during the war, as most factory production had been changed from the usual products to anything and everything to help a country in the midst of war.

The 1960s saw function return to teapot design once again, as the clean lines of a style called Modernism was all the rage. History repeated itself in the 1970s as many different types of what were dubbed as novelty teapots burst onto the scene. Teapots were shaped like dogs, cats, apples, spaceships... almost anything could appear as a teapot design!

Full Circle

From the 1980s until the present, tea connoisseurs have welcomed a return to the classic teapot styles of yesteryear. Many designs from the 17th and 18th century have been reproduced so that they can be enjoyed on our modern tea tables today.

Teapots have a rich and fascinating history. Today, you can find teapots in all shapes, sizes and colors, which is a tribute to the many different designs that were available throughout the years.

RED JADE TIBET SILVER DRAGON calabash shape TEA POT
RED JADE TIBET SILVER DRAGON calabash shape TEA POT
Paypal   US $.01
dynasty Tibet silver red jade Zodiac Signs teapot
dynasty Tibet silver red jade Zodiac Signs teapot
Paypal   US $27.00
ANTIQUE VINTAGE ACADEMY 5050 SILVER SILVERPLATE 5 1 2 CUP COFFEE TEAPOT TEA POT
ANTIQUE VINTAGE ACADEMY 5050 SILVER SILVERPLATE 5 1 2 CUP COFFEE TEAPOT TEA POT
Paypal   US $59.99
ANTIQUE OLD QUADRUPLE SILVER COFFEE TEAPOT TEA POT SET
ANTIQUE OLD QUADRUPLE SILVER COFFEE TEAPOT TEA POT SET
Paypal   US $149.99
Rare Chinese Tibet Silver Inlay Porcelain teapot
Rare Chinese Tibet Silver Inlay Porcelain teapot
Paypal   US $.01
FREE SHIP 20pcs Tibetan Silver teapot Charms TP0472
FREE SHIP 20pcs Tibetan Silver teapot Charms TP0472
Paypal   US $1.75
China Jade Inlay Tibet Silver Carved Dragon Teapot
China Jade Inlay Tibet Silver Carved Dragon Teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Collect chinese handwork tibet silver dragon phoenix white porcelain pot teapot
Collect chinese handwork tibet silver dragon phoenix white porcelain pot teapot
Paypal   US $.01
FREE SHIP 40pcs Tibetan Silver Teapot Charm 21mm TP2567
FREE SHIP 40pcs Tibetan Silver Teapot Charm 21mm TP2567
Paypal   US $7.68
Tibet Silver red jade Dragon teapot decorate
Tibet Silver red jade Dragon teapot decorate
Paypal   US $.01
CHINESE OLD JADE TIBET SILVER TEA POT MONKEY 3
CHINESE OLD JADE TIBET SILVER TEA POT MONKEY 3
Paypal   US $.69
TIBET SILVER YELLOW PORCELAIN DRAGON DOG LID TEAPOT
TIBET SILVER YELLOW PORCELAIN DRAGON DOG LID TEAPOT
Paypal   US $.01
Rare china Yellow silver teapots porcelain Tibet pot 3
Rare china Yellow silver teapots porcelain Tibet pot 3
Paypal   US $.69
VINTAGE SILVER PLATED TEA POT PHILIP ASHBERRY
VINTAGE SILVER PLATED TEA POT PHILIP ASHBERRY
Paypal   US $14.06
Vintage Halls Teapot Springtime Pattern Silver Trim Signed
Vintage Halls Teapot Springtime Pattern Silver Trim Signed
Paypal   US $12.88
Exquisite Tibet Silver jade Teapot
Exquisite Tibet Silver jade Teapot
Paypal   US $.10
CORNING WARE BLUE CORNFLOWER P 104 6 CUP COFFEE POT TEA POT WITH SILVER LID
CORNING WARE BLUE CORNFLOWER P 104 6 CUP COFFEE POT TEA POT WITH SILVER LID
Paypal   US $18.00
Rare Tibet silver red chinaware teapot
Rare Tibet silver red chinaware teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Excellent Tibet Silver Porcelain Immortal Teapot pot 3
Excellent Tibet Silver Porcelain Immortal Teapot pot 3
Paypal   US $.69
Exquisite Tibet silver yellow porcelain dragon teapot
Exquisite Tibet silver yellow porcelain dragon teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Beautiful Tibet silver red jade teapot Decoration
Beautiful Tibet silver red jade teapot Decoration
Paypal   US $.01
Rare Chinese Tibet silver porcelain carved teapot
Rare Chinese Tibet silver porcelain carved teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Tibet silver Green jade Dragon Head Rat Teapot
Tibet silver Green jade Dragon Head Rat Teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Tibet Silver Porcelain Dragon Paint Belle TeaPot
Tibet Silver Porcelain Dragon Paint Belle TeaPot
Paypal   US $.01
STUNNING ANTIQUE SOLID SILVER FOOTED VICTORIAN TEAPOT LONDON 1894 WEIGHS 405grms
STUNNING ANTIQUE SOLID SILVER FOOTED VICTORIAN TEAPOT LONDON 1894 WEIGHS 405grms
Paypal   US $354.60
Tibet silver green red jade teapot
Tibet silver green red jade teapot
Paypal   US $.01
PUGSTER® BEAD TEAPOT SILVER CHARM FOR BRACELET Y53
PUGSTER® BEAD TEAPOT SILVER CHARM FOR BRACELET Y53
Paypal   US $.99
FREE SHIP 20pcs Tibetan Silver Teapot Charm 21mm TP2567
FREE SHIP 20pcs Tibetan Silver Teapot Charm 21mm TP2567
Paypal   US $4.24
VINTAGE CHINESE SILVER PORCELAIN DRAGON PIG TEAPOT
VINTAGE CHINESE SILVER PORCELAIN DRAGON PIG TEAPOT
Paypal   US $.01
20 Sets Tibetan Silver Teapot Dangle Beads Charm TS3940
20 Sets Tibetan Silver Teapot Dangle Beads Charm TS3940
Paypal   US $1.55
1 solid Mini Teapot 925 Sterling Silver Bracelet earring charm bead pendant SA69
1 solid Mini Teapot 925 Sterling Silver Bracelet earring charm bead pendant SA69
Paypal   US $1.75
1PCS 925 STERLING SILVER CHARM TEAPOT BEADS PENDANT FIT BRACELET EARRINGS SA115
1PCS 925 STERLING SILVER CHARM TEAPOT BEADS PENDANT FIT BRACELET EARRINGS SA115
Paypal   US $4.24
Chinas Tibet jade cloisonne silver jade teapot
Chinas Tibet jade cloisonne silver jade teapot
Paypal   US $.10
Vintage 25th Anniversary White and Silver Teapot by Norcrest Fine China
Vintage 25th Anniversary White and Silver Teapot by Norcrest Fine China
Paypal   US $14.99
SHEFFIELD SILVER PLATED TEA POT
SHEFFIELD SILVER PLATED TEA POT
Paypal   US $24.98
Rare tibet silver red jade dragon teapot pot monkey lid
Rare tibet silver red jade dragon teapot pot monkey lid
Paypal   US $.10
EARLY 20th C SILVER PLATED TEA POT c1910 NO RESERVE 2163]
EARLY 20th C SILVER PLATED TEA POT c1910 NO RESERVE 2163]
Paypal   US $7.79
VICTORIAN EPBM SILVER PLATED TEA POT c1880 NO RESERVE 2166]
VICTORIAN EPBM SILVER PLATED TEA POT c1880 NO RESERVE 2166]
Paypal   US $1.55
rare chinese handwork tibetan silver dragon phoenix inlay white porcelain teapot
rare chinese handwork tibetan silver dragon phoenix inlay white porcelain teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Beautiful Swedish Sterling Silver Modernist Teapot Hcganas 1959 P Kuhn
Beautiful Swedish Sterling Silver Modernist Teapot Hcganas 1959 P Kuhn
Paypal   US $1,601.15
Rare Asian Tibet Silver Inlay Porcelain Teapot pot 3
Rare Asian Tibet Silver Inlay Porcelain Teapot pot 3
Paypal   US $.69
Fine TIBET SILVER DRAGON OLD PORCELAIN flagon TEA POT
Fine TIBET SILVER DRAGON OLD PORCELAIN flagon TEA POT
Paypal   US $.01
Beautiful Tibet silver teapot
Beautiful Tibet silver teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Tibet Silver Armored Dragon Tea Pot Monkey Lid
Tibet Silver Armored Dragon Tea Pot Monkey Lid
Paypal   US $.01
Rare Antique Spinster Size Silver Plated Teapot c1880
Rare Antique Spinster Size Silver Plated Teapot c1880
Paypal   US $39.05
KiTsCh ViNtAgE aLiCe MADHATTER iNsPiReD SILVER PINK CHINA TEA POT NECKLACE
KiTsCh ViNtAgE aLiCe MADHATTER iNsPiReD SILVER PINK CHINA TEA POT NECKLACE
Paypal   US $10.92
hotel silver soldered 10oz antique collectable teapot
hotel silver soldered 10oz antique collectable teapot
Paypal   US $21.00
CHINESE TIBET SILVER DRAGON OLD PORCELAIN TEA POT 3
CHINESE TIBET SILVER DRAGON OLD PORCELAIN TEA POT 3
Paypal   US $.69
Collectable tibet silver blue porcelain teapot 3
Collectable tibet silver blue porcelain teapot 3
Paypal   US $.69
Tibet silver teapot china
Tibet silver teapot china
Paypal   US $.01
Rare Tibet silver red chinaware teapot
Rare Tibet silver red chinaware teapot
Paypal   US $.01
KiTsCh ViNtAgE aLiCe MADHATTER iNsPiReD SILVER PL CHERRY CHINA TEA POT NECKLACE
KiTsCh ViNtAgE aLiCe MADHATTER iNsPiReD SILVER PL CHERRY CHINA TEA POT NECKLACE
Paypal   US $6.55
12 SILVER MINITURE TEA POTS PENDANTS CHARMS SUPPLY
12 SILVER MINITURE TEA POTS PENDANTS CHARMS SUPPLY
Paypal   US $.89
Wonderful red Jade tibet Silver lion Animal Tea Pot
Wonderful red Jade tibet Silver lion Animal Tea Pot
Paypal   US $.01
PUGSTER® BEAD TEAPOT SILVER CHARM FOR BRACELET B83
PUGSTER® BEAD TEAPOT SILVER CHARM FOR BRACELET B83
Paypal   US $.99
Tibet Silver Porcelain Dragon Tea Pot 3
Tibet Silver Porcelain Dragon Tea Pot 3
Paypal   US $.69
Beautiful Tibet Silver Red Porcelain Dragon Teapots
Beautiful Tibet Silver Red Porcelain Dragon Teapots
Paypal   US $.01
Tibetan Silver Dragon Phoenix Armored Teapot Mouse Lid
Tibetan Silver Dragon Phoenix Armored Teapot Mouse Lid
Paypal   US $19.99
1pc 925 Sterling Silver Teapot charms Beads Pendant fit bracelet earring Sa434
1pc 925 Sterling Silver Teapot charms Beads Pendant fit bracelet earring Sa434
Paypal   US $.99
PUGSTER SMALL TEAPOT SILVER TONE CHARM BEAD FOR BRACELET F92
PUGSTER SMALL TEAPOT SILVER TONE CHARM BEAD FOR BRACELET F92
Paypal   US $.99
Chinese Tibet Silver Dragon Jade Tea Pot 3
Chinese Tibet Silver Dragon Jade Tea Pot 3
Paypal   US $.69
SUPERB VICTORIAN ORNATE SILVER PLATED TEAPOT
SUPERB VICTORIAN ORNATE SILVER PLATED TEAPOT
Paypal   US $24.99
China Old Silver Jade Dragon Bracelet Teapot Monkey Lid 113008
China Old Silver Jade Dragon Bracelet Teapot Monkey Lid 113008
Paypal   US $9.06
Wonderful porcelain silver tea pot carved dragon
Wonderful porcelain silver tea pot carved dragon
Paypal   US $.01
JADE COLLECTABLE BLUE SILVER PLATED TEAPOT ┢┦aΡ½y 13
JADE COLLECTABLE BLUE SILVER PLATED TEAPOT ┢┦aΡ½y 13
Paypal   US $.20
Tibetan Silver Porcelain Dragon Phoenix Monkey Tea Pot
Tibetan Silver Porcelain Dragon Phoenix Monkey Tea Pot
Paypal   US $.01
Chinese tibet silver Dragon red porcelain teapot
Chinese tibet silver Dragon red porcelain teapot
Paypal   US $.01
beautiful Tibet Silver Dragon Phoenix Jade Teapot caput
beautiful Tibet Silver Dragon Phoenix Jade Teapot caput
Paypal   US $.01
Teapot and cream and sugar set by Sheridan Silver Co
Teapot and cream and sugar set by Sheridan Silver Co
Paypal   US $24.99
Vintage Sterling Silver Charm Crystal Teapot
Vintage Sterling Silver Charm Crystal Teapot
Paypal   US $11.70
CHINA TIBET SILVER PAINTING BELLE OLD PORCELAIN TEA POT 3
CHINA TIBET SILVER PAINTING BELLE OLD PORCELAIN TEA POT 3
Paypal   US $.69
Elkington silver plated tea and coffee set Tea potcoffee potcreamersugar
Elkington silver plated tea and coffee set Tea potcoffee potcreamersugar
Paypal   US $450.00
Pretty Tibet silver dragon porcelain monkey lid teapot
Pretty Tibet silver dragon porcelain monkey lid teapot
Paypal   US $.10
Trad TIBET SILVER jade calabash shape DRAGON TEA POT
Trad TIBET SILVER jade calabash shape DRAGON TEA POT
Paypal   US $.01
PUGSTER TEAPOT SILVER TONE CHARM BEAD FOR BRACELET T53
PUGSTER TEAPOT SILVER TONE CHARM BEAD FOR BRACELET T53
Paypal   US $.99
Vintage Nickel Silver teapot
Vintage Nickel Silver teapot
Paypal   US $35.00
Vintage fb rogers Silver Plated teapot
Vintage fb rogers Silver Plated teapot
Paypal   US $35.00
VTG TOWLE CONTESSINA SILVER PLATED 4 PIECES TEAPOT COFFEEPOT SUGAR CREAMER
VTG TOWLE CONTESSINA SILVER PLATED 4 PIECES TEAPOT COFFEEPOT SUGAR CREAMER
Paypal   US $375.00
Vintage ART NOUVEAU Flower Silver Plated BRASS Teapot Tea Pot w Lid Footed NR
Vintage ART NOUVEAU Flower Silver Plated BRASS Teapot Tea Pot w Lid Footed NR
Paypal   US $9.99
Chinese Old Silver Porcelain Dragon Teapot Mouse Lid 111128
Chinese Old Silver Porcelain Dragon Teapot Mouse Lid 111128
Paypal   US $7.84
Antique Silver Lustre En Grisaille Teapot London Shape
Antique Silver Lustre En Grisaille Teapot London Shape
Paypal   US $159.99
tibet silver porcelain dragon phoenix teapot
tibet silver porcelain dragon phoenix teapot
Paypal   US $.01
tibet Silver Monkey Jade TeaPot
tibet Silver Monkey Jade TeaPot
Paypal   US $.01
Collectable Tibet silver Porcelain white Teapot
Collectable Tibet silver Porcelain white Teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Cute Sterling silver Teapot Charms Bead Fit Bracelets Necklace Snake chain 064
Cute Sterling silver Teapot Charms Bead Fit Bracelets Necklace Snake chain 064
Paypal   US $.99
Silver Teapot El Grandee by Towle
Silver Teapot El Grandee by Towle
Paypal   US $25.00
Exquisite Tibet Silver Dragon Green Porcelain teapot
Exquisite Tibet Silver Dragon Green Porcelain teapot
Paypal   US $.10
RARE AYNSLEY TRADITION PLATINUM SILVER TEAPOT TEA POT LID MINT CONDITION
RARE AYNSLEY TRADITION PLATINUM SILVER TEAPOT TEA POT LID MINT CONDITION
Paypal   US $99.99
beautiful Tibet silver red porcelain gecko teapot
beautiful Tibet silver red porcelain gecko teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Pretty tibet silver dragon inlay jade teapot monkey lid
Pretty tibet silver dragon inlay jade teapot monkey lid
Paypal   US $.01
Royal Albert SILVER 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Large Teapot
Royal Albert SILVER 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Large Teapot
Paypal   US $67.49
Classical Chinese Handicraft Tibet silver jade teapot
Classical Chinese Handicraft Tibet silver jade teapot
Paypal   US $.01
Tibet Silver Jade Armored Dragon Tea Pot Mouse Lid 3
Tibet Silver Jade Armored Dragon Tea Pot Mouse Lid 3
Paypal   US $.69
Collectibles green Tibet silver red jade teapot
Collectibles green Tibet silver red jade teapot
Paypal   US $.01
PUGSTER TEAPOT SILVER TONE CHARM BEAD FOR BRACELET Q30
PUGSTER TEAPOT SILVER TONE CHARM BEAD FOR BRACELET Q30
Paypal   US $.99
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