HomeFree Video TutorialsFairy School TutorialClasses

Monday, March 14, 2011

Tea Cup Tuesday French Cups!

Welcome once again to Tea Cup Tuesday!
Martha and I love to share our china with you all, and we really love seeing your beautiful tea cups. Last week every cup was so stunning! Thank you all for participating.
Make sure you stop by and see Martha's china. She has the most gorgeous cups around!

I was very lucky last week to spy these cups in an antique shop. They were quite dirty and I was trying to decide if they were what I wanted, by trying to rub off the dirt and grime and get a good look. I am so glad I brought them home,
because once I cleaned them up they were gorgeous!

They do seem quite plain, but they feel very fine in the hand. I ended up buying 5 sets of them.

They really do look more elegant and beautiful in "person". The creamy white and the gold are very rich looking. The picture does not do them justice.

Look at the detail on the simple, albeit elegant and large, loop handle! So French!

This pretty leaf design circles the plate as well as the cup edge.

The stamp says this cup was made by Sevres, a company that began in the 1700's in France.
I have read all over the Internet about the Sevres porcelain company, but still do know know very much about where my cups came from. There is also wording scratched in the porcelain, you can just barely see it in the photo.

King Louis IV took great interest in the company during his reign, going as far as to take over the company. He was very involved in the designs and quality of the china. He even had special viewing parties at Versailles where he greatly encouraged his guests to purchase. The earlier backstamp was two Ls known as the Double L for Louis. Above you can see a double L. Many other potters copied the styles and backstamps. Even though there was a law against it. This backstamp is not listed among the known stamps from the 18th century, but I have seen it shown as Sevres Style backstamp and in some places as 19th century Sevres backstamp.

From what I have seen of Sevres, they crafted beautiful and elaborate china pieces. My cups are very simple compared to them, and may be one clue that they are not Sevres.

This emblem on the plate and front of the cup reminds me of the symbol Laduree (a famous Paris restaurant and bakery) uses on their boxes and napkins. That may be why I loved them so much.

So my cups may be old or they may be new...they may be Sevres or they may be a knock off...I don't think I mind either way! I used them for a family tea last Sunday and they were lovely to drink from. That is perfect to me!

If you happen to know about this backstamp I would love to hear from you.

Thank you so much for stopping by and viewing my tea cups! If you would like to play along, just create a post with the tea cup you would like to share, and then come back here and fill in the blanks with Mr. Linky and you will be automatically added to the list. Make sure you check your link to see if it takes you to your site. Once in a while a link will not work and we can not find the participants post.

Thank you all for your lovely birthday wishes! I had a wonderful day!
To celebrate I have a Gratitude Giveaway!
(here is a sneak peek at the tea for one!)


Go HERE to comment and have a chance to win!
Hugs to you All,
Terri


47 comments:

Anonymous said...

Terri, the lst thing I noticed was the long, loopy handle! So elegant!
Diane

Wanda Lee said...

Dear Terri,

Oh my! ~ Such exquiste elegance!.., I love every one of those beauties that you found and made sparkle once again!.., The history is always fascinating as well and the shape of those handles are just beyond lovely!..,

Please do pop by and link up at our parties as well Terri.~ We'd love to have you join us once again for, 'Tuesday Tea Time In Blogland', in our little corner of blogland!..,

Happy 'Teacup Tuesday'and thanks for hosting!!

Have a marvelous,fun and creative week and happy St. Paddy's day!

Cheers and hugs from Wanda Lee

Martha's Favorites said...

Terri: I love the handles on these cups. They look like the were made like a door handle. Just beautiful. How luckly you are to have found them. You taste is amazing. Thank you so much for always sharing something beautiful with us. This one is one of my favorites. Hugs from me to you, Martha

debi said...

Terri, whether your cups are old or new, they are absolutely gorgeous! The handle and the gold leaf design are so elegant. I would think you felt like royalty drinking from them!
I think you made a beautiful choice!

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Hello Terri,
this cups are truly elegant and I can see, how fine the china is. This wafer-thin china is so nice for having tea from this cups. The handles are exquisit. Really a treasure.
Thank you for hosting this sweet event.
Greetings, Johanna

Marjanne said...

My first internetvisit on tuesday is allways your nice blog, and todya with this mysterious cups... they are just beautiful and I think they must keep their little part of mystery...

Farah said...

Hello Terri...

Pur white elegance... the handle is a true beauty... And the delicate golden design make it gorgeous one...
Happy spring time

http://craftaworld.blogspot.com/
Love
Farah

Elaine said...

What wonderfully elegant cups, tres chic! As others have said, those handles are a beautiful feature.

Have a good week.

Elaine x

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

They are just lovely Terri! I really think the simple gold ivy motif is elegant and perfect for a lovely Spring tea with friends....
Tina xo

Jem said...

Terri these are simply divine! I'm such a Laduree fan - there are a couple in London and it takes all my self control not to buy a huge box of macaroons each time I visit - so I clocked the beautiful 'L' monogram in your picture right away :-)

I love the handles and the shape of the cup, the ivy trailing around the rim is so luxurious without being overboard in any way - beautiful!

Jem xXx

♥ Miss Tea said...

I think those teacups are so elegant! love the pattern on it, gorgeous! x

KathyB. said...

These are beautiful, classically beautiful, teacups.They could be used in any tea or table setting.Everything about them is classic, so if they are knock-offs, they might as well be the original for their simple and elegant beauty.

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

Your new teacups are so elegant. I love teacups with simple designs...classy!
Blessings,
Cindy

Victoria said...

Wow..so beauiful Terri...I am in love with that massive handle..so unique! yes very french!! Gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing more treasures!!Happy Tea!
Kiki

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

the first thing I thought was how elegant they are..just gorgeous! great find

Fábio Carvalho said...

the teacups are absolutely GORGEOUS! The details on the handles are A MUST HAVE! Really happy that you got them for you. And thanx for sharing with us!
cheers!
Fábio

Antiques And Teacups said...

Yep...just like everyone else the handle did it! Lovely. Thatnks for sharing...I would have picked them up too!
Ruth

The Tablescaper said...

So elegant. Love the detail. What a gorgeous handle.

- The Tablescaper

Marianne C. said...

oooo-la-la! Terri, the cups are lovely, and the handles are exquisite and unusual. They cleaned up nicely. What a happy day when you found them.

Joyfully,
Marianne

Unknown said...

this is STUNNING! i love it the handle is so lush it's all just wonderful

Love Dawn xx

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hi Terri,

Oh what beautiful french elegance! They are very pretty, and I love the handles! Thanks for hosting today!

Debbie

Terri Gordon said...

Good Tea Cup Tuesday Terri, I hope this finds you well. I love the beautiful tea cups that you are sharing with today, they are gorgeous. I really love the gold handles, so much detail on them. Thank you for hosting Tea Cup Tuesday. Have a wonderful week. Hugs, Terri

I am so happy that you had a wonderful Birthday.

Awishdream said...

Thank You Terri for sharing your lovely teacups they are all so unique and beautiful...hope you are doing well! Cheers!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Terri,
What an elegant teacup! I so enjoyed the history you shared today. I had no idea that King Louie had the interest in china that he had. Very interesting fact! I love the handles and the gold ivy running around the cup! Thanks for sharing an exquisite teacup!

Blessings,
Sandi

Elaine A said...

Hi Terri -

I love this tea set. They are just so simple and elegant. What a treat to be able to drink from them.

Elaine Allen

The Charm of Home said...

Terri,
The handle on that French cup with the gold is gorgeous! What a beautiful collection. Love that!
Sherry

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Terri,
These are just so elegant! They can be used with any colors and any style of Teascape too!!
What great treasures!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Createology said...

Not only are the cup and saucers delicate and beautiful so is the doily in the photo. The detail under the handle is amazing. Happy Teacup Tuesday...

Marlynn said...

You really do amaze me with your tea cup collection. These are little beauties and i love the gold handles, kind of reminds me of my mother's tea pot which i have! Love you my BFF!

very merry vintage style said...

Terri-just link up your favorite recent post--those flowers would be fabulous and I'm sure there are many other goodies on your blog! Then make sure you link back to the party with a button or text link. That's it!
Mary

Olga Poltava said...

Your new teacups are very lovely. Great find! They make me want to go to antique shops and thrift stores for tea cup hunting myself.

{oc cottage} said...

Simply gorgeous!

m ^..^

Angela McInnis said...

Ok, Terri, this comment has absolutely NOTHING to do with tea cups but I wanted you to know that I spent the better part of Monday afternoon watching your faery school tutorials...I LOVED every minute! What patience and attention to detail! I am holding myself back from doing one until I get all my "to do" list done for spring break!! Thanks for taking the time to post such wonderful tutorials...I can't quit thinking about those little chairs!!
Angela
hpp://amcinnisartworks.blogspot.com

fitty's pinky rose cottage said...

Oh Terri, this is so beautiful! elegance is the word.. especially the handle and very fine teacup indeed! Thanks for sharing and hosting and wishing you great week!
xo
fitty

Anonymous said...

They are not 'plain' at all! They are almost like a fancy contemporary style..I would love those here in my white loving home!!



Ciao Bella!

Creative Carmelina

Linda said...

I just discovered you web page search for tablescape ideas for spring. What lovely tea cups. And the tea for one set! please enter me in the beautiful giveaway! Thank you

Theresa MacNaughton said...

That cup is simply stunning! Very elegant, and I LOVE the gold ivy vines. :) Theresa

Donna aka Mother-in-Law Queen Bee said...

Hi Terri,
What an elegant cup and saucer, so French. I love older French designs and what interesting history you posted about you sets.
Donna

Catherine said...

I love these, they are so elegant. What a treasure you found.
Catherine

newfiecrafter(Marilyn) said...

Oh these cups are gorgeous I love the gold leaf design it is so elegant . Bet tea tastes better drinking from one of them LOL
Marilyn

Concetta said...

Your post is absolutely beautiful - I love your cup and the precious basket. I am marveling at this delightful post!! Thank you for hosting the best tea parties!
<><
Concetta

yvette said...

I love love love these teacups...and everyone is sure to have their own story. Important that you can now share your own new memories with such treasures! yvette@twistedvines

Bookie said...

These are lovely cups, and they have just a distinctive handle. I have never seen one like this before. Such fun for you!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Terri,
I so love these tea cups! They are so elegant and will go well with any teascape!!

Beautiful!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Karie said...

Oh, how beautiful. So elegant and very delicate and fine. Love it. Thanks for hosting this wonderful party. Just love seeing all the tea cups. Hugs, Karie

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

These are so dainty and elegant. I love that beautiful gold handle. Very pretty!

Bren said...

Love the pretties!! So glad your birthday was happy.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...