Friday, October 18, 2013

New Teaware

I have admired Lomonosov Imperial Porcelain in the Cobalt Net pattern for a very long time, but it's quite pricey.  When I was in my favorite antique store [LaBelle's] recently, I spotted a Cobalt Net teacup, and couldn't believe the price tag of only $12.00.  I carefully examined the cup for chips or cracks, and couldn't find a single defect, so it came home with me!

A bit of research revealed the Lomonosov Imperial Porcelain Factory, opened by Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, is one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Europe. It opened in 1744 in St. Petersburg, Russia.  Similar to the House of Faberge, it was an exclusive supplier of the Imperial Romanov family and their closest relatives for nearly two centuries.  

The Cobalt Net pattern is one of the most famous, and is still predominantly made by hand and decorated with 22 Karat gold.

This cup holds 8 oz. as compared to a standard teacup that holds 6 oz.  Is it a coffee cup?


It is decorated on the inside rim of the cup, as well as at the base.


The handle is decorated too.


The backstamp.


Now if only I could find a reasonably priced teapot to go with it!   I was recently gifted with a new white porcelain teapot, however.  My daughter went to a tea-themed baby shower and the baby's grandma [who hosted the shower] sent two teapots home with my daughter - one for her and one for me.  What a nice surprise!  It's made in China, and is dishwasher and microwave safe, but it doesn't have a manufacturer's backstamp.  It's very pretty, and I am happy to give it a home.





6 comments:

  1. Oh, that cup and saucer is gorgeous! So glad you could find an affordable one. Make yourself a big cup of tea in it and enjoy!

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  2. Hello Phyllis,
    Your Lomonosov find is just exquisite. So elegant and such a rich history to add to its charm. I love that intense shade of blue. I did see a teapot at an upscale shop several years ago, but returned it to the table after seeing the price tag. I am sure it got a good home with some other tea lover. I do however have that same white teapot and just love it. Couldn't resist the heart and the pedestal bottom. I use it as my everyday teapot now and enjoy it every day when I brew my morning pot. I am sure you will love using it. It pours quite nicely from that elegant spout.

    Thanks for sharing your new treasures.
    Have a happy day!

    Mary Jane

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  3. Hi Phyllis, I adore your new teapot, and the teacup as well. A nice gift and a great find! Enjoy!

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  4. Now - here's a question I can answer - ha! Having sold 4 patterns for years - this is the cobalt net tea cup. The coffee is actually much smaller. I just recently decided not to continue to sell the Russian as the prices continue to soar! Your teacup and saucer were retailing for like $54.95 until this year it went up even more so YES YOU HAVE A BARGAIN!!!

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  5. What a great buy on your new teacup! Especially now that cool weather is here, I LOVE to use a larger teacup! That white teapot is pretty as well, and I can see that fitting in with many styles of teaware!

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