Teapot Gift for Mother...Calling all Englishmen (or wives!)

[Guest]

I realize this is a gentleman's forumn...but every true gentleman understands the importance of finding a great Christmas gift for his mother.

My mother absolutely loves collecting teapots. This year, I really want to get her something special. Being from the U.S., I wanted to ask any of you Englishmen out there if you, or perhaps your female counterpart, could suggest a good brand of teapot to purchase.

In the past (as a college student) I often bought her Wedgewood. While I think it is beatuiful stuff, it is sold in department stores here. This year, I'm looking for something a little more unique (and regarded as high quality).

any suggestions?

thanks

[Guest]

I realize this is a gentleman's forumn...but every true gentleman understands the importance of finding a great Christmas gift for his mother.

My mother absolutely loves collecting teapots. This year, I really want to get her something special. Being from the U.S., I wanted to ask any of you Englishmen out there if you, or perhaps your female counterpart, could suggest a good brand of teapot to purchase.

In the past (as a college student) I often bought her Wedgewood. While I think it is beatuiful stuff, it is sold in department stores here. This year, I'm looking for something a little more unique (and regarded as high quality).

any suggestions?

thanks

It is not exactly a teapot, but what's a teapot without the tea? You might find TeaDelights rather unique and perhaps fitting your purpose:

Link

A short movie is shown on the site.

Kind regards,
DonB

[Guest]

A few years ago, my mother was visiting NY. Found some VERY nice English sterling teasets at Tiffany's of all places.

Asprey (RIP) also use to stock some nice sterling and ceramic tea sets. The other option I would suggest is Meisen (near Dresden). I think this was the first place in Europe they were able to produce good Chinaware.

-Oscarsfan

[Guest]

Apologize for the additional post but if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary, check out Nambe. I lived in NM for a while and some of their stuff is very interesting. I think now they have many more artist collaborations.

Just checked their website, no tea sets but you may find something interesting.

-Oscar's fan

[Guest]

A lot of great stuff comes out of Delft in Holland.

Also nice makers to look at are KPM and the Meisen manufacturers from Germany.

[Guest]

If you're looking for porcelain then Meissen (as mentioned) and what's left in Delft (De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles/Royal Delft for example) and Limoges (principally Haviland who also makes for Hermes) are nice choices.

There are also very nice Japanese cast iron teapots (called a tetsubin if I remember correctly), Chinese clay teapots (Yixing or Zisha) or modern glass teapots for a more contemporary take.

The antiques market may prove nice for a unique option.

As for the tea itself I've grown quite partial to Mariage freres.

- Jackson

[Guest]

Rosenthal for a classic.
WMF for a very modern design.

[Guest]

really good modern porcelain is very expensive and the hand painting has become rather and quality patchy, even on top brands.

I suggest take time and buy an antique one. Some now extinct manufacturers created wonderful designs of a quality of decoration that is completely unavailable today. And buying second hand means you often pay less than the list price of the modern imitation.