When I moved from London to NYC to join my boyfriend, I carried with me on the plane, two china tea cups and saucers I inherited from my American grandmother.Like my grandmother, I love china. Preferably second hand and mismatched. I guess that explains why I like so much to thrift china orphans. By that I mean the odd plate; tea cup; bowl; etc.
My grandmother's tea cups (the beautiful black ones) now keep company with several china items I've thrifted in New York in the 2.5 years I've been here. All have cost me between 25c and $2. There is no particular thrift store that is better for them, you just need to keep your eyes peeled. 
Here are some interesting facts about china:- Porcelain originated in China in the 9th century. It was imported to Europe for many years and even after the Europeans started making it themselves, they always referred to it as ‘china’. It is made of kaolin (a type of clay) and feldspar. China is hard, strong and translucent - allows the light through. Try placing your cup/plate against the light and waving your hand between the cup/plate and the light. If you can see the outline of your fingers – it is translucent and is real china!
- Bone China is the English form of Porcelain. It is considered as the highest quality and most expensive. It is very translucent. Although it looks and feels quite delicate, it is the strongest of china and is extremely hard and durable. Bone China actually contains animal bone ash. Hmmmm, not sure I wanted to know that.
- Ceramics are made out of clay, are not porcelain 'china' and are not translucent. I guess that means that some of my thrift china is not china and actually ceramic. Nevermind, it is still very pretty!
- Marks at the bottom of your china allow you to trace the manufacturer and also to put a date on your item. Here are some of mine (my grandmother's is the top left one - do you know anything about it?)
And that whole thing about saving your good china for a special occasion? Nonsense. I say use your good china as often as you can, after all, these things were made to be enjoyed. And what could possibly be more special than a cup of tea whilst curled up on my sofa, or dinner for two? 
Lovely post and collection. I love the mix of patterns, colors and textures in the photos. The black and the mint green look amazing next to one another.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your love of china. And I agree...have that china out to appreciate on a daily basis!
ReplyDeleteYou have a wonderful collection, I loved all the designs. And I too, love the mismatched patterns together. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteHave a great VTT!
i love your sweet china cup & plate collection..what a lovely display :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the facts about china! Can you imagine how many patterns there are out there?! And I guess you're right. We should all use our china every day, because it seems relatively easy to find a replacement online if we happen to break one!
ReplyDeleteOh, and I love Grandma's black china! That seems like something you wouldn't see every day!
Pretty teacups! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
I'm with you -- use the china for everyday. Life's too short to keep it on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteLOVE those bits and pieces, the array of designs on your cups and saucers. I LOVE the English china particularly. Grandma's dark pieces are very different -- gorgeous in fact.
Cass
Oh I love this post. I admire your china collection immensely...and am now adding something to the list of things to keep my eyes peeled for when out and about thrifting. Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteBeatufiul tea cups,and great info. Now, if i can just remember some of it. =0))
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by to see my thrifty finds.
I love garage sales and that's all i shop at in summer.
Blesings,
Barbara jean
this is my fave post! beautiful teacups! i think we have something in common here!.. for the sake of roses we are united at our heart! hehehehe.. I really like your cups! I am sure you have some more pretty dishes.. I don't mind them mismatched.. just lovely!
ReplyDeletei love your eclectic mismatched china...makes you look more closely at each wonderful pattern and color. beautiful!
ReplyDeletehappy thrifting~
chasity
Love your china..mismatched or not, it's beautiful. Somehow it all works together. Happy VTT, have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tea cups. I like the green and white plate peeking out from under them.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for the wonderful comment!
ReplyDeleteFabulous photographs! And indeed these things are made to be used and loved.
ReplyDeleteWhile I am so much older then you we are of the same heart..........the old china pices that fill my cupboards are gems and bring with them to my home the ghosts of the past and the stories they could tell of high teas sitting under the pear tree........(smiles) I just had a high tea for over 140 ladies and it was a wonderful feeling........thank you for sharing your blog with me for the very first time. Lee-ann
ReplyDeleteBeautiful China!!! Lovely that you brought your Gran's over with you so carefully, I am yet to get lucky with vintage china on my hunts!
ReplyDelete