Beautiful 18th century Tea Bowl, as found at Revolutionary sites and museums

Being offered is another beautiful 18th century tea cup (bowl). It has a diameter of 3” and is 1 ¾” high. It is decorated with cobalt blue pigment on a white body, usually applied with a brush under the glaze.

In the 18th century, teacups evolved from handle-less "tea bowls" to the familiar, handled cups we know today, often made from porcelain imported from China or replicated by European manufacturers.

Into the 17th century, Chinese ceramics were being made specifically for European export and traded in large quantities. Until ceramic manufacturers in England and Europe began to master and successfully market their own porcelain. Chinese products held a mysterious fascination, prized for its superior quality, and the fashion for Chinese porcelain thrived.

There are examples in "Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution", by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures). There are similar examples of this tea bowl in the Colonial Williamsburg Museum and an excavated example at the Fort Ticonderoga Collection (see pictures).

Shards of these cups are often found at Revolutionary War sites, validating their use (see pictures). This cup is in excellent condition, only having a small “flea bite” on the rim. It would make a great addition to a Colonial collection or even a softer touch to a Revolutionary War collection.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.