On this last day of November, before the calendar turns its page to the very busy, already penciled in days of December, I thought a soul warming cup of tea would be a just the ticket.
A little reflection on the month to come led me to some tea time memories. The teapot in the picture above was a gift from my husband more than thirty years ago.
It wasn't the beginning of a lifelong love of teapots, but it did start a collection. Over the years, the collection has grown to include teapots from as far away as Saudi Arabia and Hungary.
The blue rose finial on the Herend teapot has been my favorite since the day my husband brought it home with him when he returned from a business trip in Sweden. The hand painted middle eastern set was also a gift after a long business trip.
What is the attraction that so many of us seem to have to the teapots? Is it the family memories or the artistic values that we see in them. The Peter Rabbit teapot was a gift from my sister in law and is a treasured part of my collection along with the stack of tea tiles that it is resting upon. The English Sadler pot was a yard sale find...doubly exciting because of the pansy motif on it.
The hand thrown pottery teapot with the crowned frog prince sitting on a lily pad finial came from Middlebury Vermont. It was found at a fine arts center called Frog Hollow. This was a place that we thought would be around forever, but along with many other changes in the world the center is now gone.
From as far away as Finland (the pink ringed and blue ringed pots) or as close as Dedham Massachusetts (the bunny motif teapot), the one thing that remains constant is a worldwide love of tea. The time it takes to sit down with someone and have a quiet moment whether it be in China or India, or closer to home, it is a very human, civilized ritual.
The attraction to collecting these vessels that evoke both grace and humor also seems to be universal.
While I sip my cup of tea, poured from this memory of a teapot, and think about the upcoming social events and chores, I hope that everyone reading this will have a little time to quietly enjoy a spot of tea and reflection.
This post is being linked to Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday and The Colorado Lady for Vintage Thingie Thursday.
♥, Susan
You have quite a collection and they are all really lovely! I've never been a steady tea drinker (more like a coffee drinker) but I do love the tea pots and flavored teas when I do enjoy one. It is fascinating that all throughout the world tea is enjoyed by so many!
I'm working up to the season slowly- I intend to enjoy it rather than race through it!
Posted by: Liz @ A Dish Here, A Glass There | November 30, 2011 at 06:17 PM
What a wonderful collection of tea pots. They are all so pretty and unique in their own way.
Posted by: LaVoice | November 30, 2011 at 06:28 PM
Hi Susan, WOW, what an amazing collection of tea pots. all so beautiful. It would be hard for me to even select a favorite. I have the Peter Rabbit pot, given to me by my sister. A special treasure for sure. Your husband has excellent taste. I have a very busy month too. I still have so much to do. I'll have full size pics of my tree a little later.
Have a lovely evening.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Posted by: Emily | November 30, 2011 at 06:41 PM
You have a nice collection. And you expressed well what a teapot means to many of us. I love to make a pot or at least a cup in the afternoon if I am home. It slows me down, provides comfort from the warmth of the steam, and, if it has caffeine, it gives me a little "get up
for the rest of the day!
Posted by: dotsie (aka podso) | November 30, 2011 at 06:45 PM
I do hope you enjoyed a restful cup before the whirlwind begins! I love your herend piece.. wow that is stunning as is the rest of your collection.. xo marlis
Posted by: marlis | November 30, 2011 at 06:58 PM
I can't stop looking at that Herend coffee pot. I think that's a Herend, right? There in the back of the 3rd picture? The shape of it is lovely! It reminds me of "I Dream of Jeannie"!!! :-) Your whole collection is just dreamy!!!
Posted by: Alycia Nichols | November 30, 2011 at 07:03 PM
I'm a tea lover any day of the week so your teapot and collection drew me right in. I hope you enjoyed some quiet time before the busy-ness of December bursts in.
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn at Cottage and Creek | November 30, 2011 at 08:09 PM
Your teapots are gorgeous and what a great hubby that brings you such items from far away lands! I came right away to see your lovely post as I adore teapots too! I specially love the tall one. Enjoy your tea while you can before the hollidays rush! Just dropped from TT at Susan's. Hugs, FABBY
Posted by: Fabiola Alba | November 30, 2011 at 08:18 PM
A lovely collection and some very unusual pieces. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Debs VintageSoul | November 30, 2011 at 08:53 PM
I asbolutely refuse to drink tea ever...and I'm still drawn to teapots. What is it about them?
Posted by: Michelle | November 30, 2011 at 10:42 PM
Susan~ What a wonderful collection of teapots you have! I have a hard time deciding my favorite of yours, maybe your sweet pansy one~ doubly sweet as a find at a yard sale! I'm drawn to teapots too, but I have to confess I'm more likely to use a bag and hot water from my Keurig rather than pour from a pot {blush} :)
Posted by: Mary | December 01, 2011 at 03:12 AM
I collected teapots and frogs for years - never saw a teapot like that. How fun. A cup of tea sounds like a wonderful idea.
Posted by: C. Joy | December 01, 2011 at 05:27 AM
Beautiful collection! So sweet that your husband started it all for you :)
Posted by: Carol @There's Always Thyme to Cook | December 01, 2011 at 05:41 AM
I posted Spode Christmas Tree too! And what a great teapot collection. I made those goose placemats myself in the 1970s. I love them! We must have a lot in common. Nice to meet you!
Cheers!
R
Posted by: Ruth, Time Was Antiques | December 01, 2011 at 12:03 PM
I did manage to have a quiet cup of tea last night as I too was contemplating the month ahead. It was lovely.
Your teapot collection is enchanting, Susan. Thank you so much for sharing...
Posted by: Louise | December 01, 2011 at 04:13 PM
What an amazing teapot collection!
Posted by: Marigene | December 01, 2011 at 06:52 PM
Wow, Susan, you have a remarkable collection of beautiful tea pots!
I also love tea pots but do not have as many as you do...yet! :) My favorite is the Belleek Tea pot I purchased in Ireland. It was a big splurge for me but I already had four of the same pattern tea cups and saucers which were given to me as gifts over the years, so I wanted to complete the set.
Posted by: Pat | December 02, 2011 at 03:30 PM
Drinking tea is certainly a Zen thing--very calming. Your teapots are wonderful! You have some very unique ones, like the one with the little frog! Love the tales of how you came to own some of them, and definitely agree we need to sip some tea before the storm!
Elaine
Creating Wonderful Spaces
Posted by: Elaine | December 04, 2011 at 08:19 AM