"Tique-Tock"

TEAPOT LOVERS MUST READ I just got in a teapot with a big hump in the bottom.  I’d never seen one like it before and certainly wasn’t sure of the purpose of the hump, so of course I googled it.  The first thing I came to was Wikipedia, which I donate to because I find their information very useful.  The information about teapots that they shared was fascinating.  For example, did you know that when teapots first started that they were all small because they were single serving?  True!  Did you know that porcelain couldn’t be made in Europe in the early 1700s and because most teapots were made of porcelain, it usually was only the richest that could afford them.  Did you know historically the Chinese drank tea from the spout?  I can’t wait to research that a bit more.  I want to know why.  Go to Wikipedia and read about your favorite collectible and maybe consider a small donation.  Unfortunately, I still don’t know the reason for the hump, so if any of you do, please let me know.

Sometimes you just really want to know who made a piece of porcelain years and years ago.  You can see the mark, but you just have never heard of it before and you don't know enough info really to google it.  This site only gives a picture and the name, but at least it's a start.  I wish it had more info about the company itself.   Well if you’re looking for a site to do this, I just found a great one, although it didn’t have the one that I’m looking for right now.  They have a picture of the maker’s mark and then identify the maker.  They also have an interesting glossary that identifies some of the porcelain lingo that’s harder to figure out and explanations of many things you’d not even thought about at all.  The question and answer area is also fun to read.  It’s like reading an antique magazine.  Visit and enjoy! https://www.efineantiques.com/webpages/fine_porcelains.htm

I was talking with a customer today about those things that she treasures and why.  She like so many other customers I speak with are worried that their children aren’t going to want any of their items they consider most valuable and NOT because of the monetary value, but what it’s meant to the family.  Throughout what I have to say in this blog, keep in mind that when I say child that this is inclusive to mean any younger person that you may want to share your life with after you’re gone.  I don’t have children of my own, but I’m hoping that nieces, nephews and extended family and friends will want a piece of us to treasure.   PLEASE share stories with your kids.  Don’t assume they’re going to remember the things you’ve told them as they grew up when you weren’t the cool one to listen to necessarily.  Have you ever noticed as your kids get older that it seems that you’re getting smarter in their minds?  You are!  BUT STILL don’t assume that they’re going to remember all of these