Are these teacups safe to use for tea?

Most antique porcelain teacups can hold warm liquid, but older soft-paste bodies and delicate gold leaf require careful hand washing. Many collectors prefer to keep delicate cabinet cups for display only. Thermal shock can crack antique ceramics, so avoid pouring boiling water directly into cold eighteenth-century cups.

How do I date an antique teacup?

Dating relies on factory marks, paste composition, and stylistic clues like handle shapes and saucer depths. Eighteenth-century pieces often lack handles entirely as tea bowls. Consulting recorded patterns and known factory periods helps narrow down the year of production.

What is the difference between a trio and a duo?

A duo consists of a teacup and a matching saucer. A trio includes the teacup, the saucer, and an additional matching side plate for small cakes. Trios became particularly popular during the Regency and Victorian periods for formal tea service.

Why is cobalt blue prominent on old porcelain?

Cobalt oxide is one of the few mineral pigments stable enough to withstand the extreme temperatures required to fire porcelain. This made it the reliable choice for deep blue underglaze decoration across Asian and European kilns.