Heat yourself up with a cup on National Hot Tea Day
This Tiny Tuesday artifact is part of a tea set consisting of a pot, creamer, and sugar bowl. The porcelain pot, in a serpentine shape, is painted a pale pink shade with gold trim. While the creamer and sugar bowl are marked “Z.S. & C.” for Zeh, Scherzer & Company of Bavaria, the tea pot does not have maker’s mark. We may not know who manufactured the tea pot, but we do know who painted it!
During the Victorian and Edwardian periods, porcelain painting became a popular pastime. Blank china would be purchased, then decorated to preference by artists. Delicate pastel shades were often used, as well as floral motifs. Several Fall River women became noted china painters, such as Lillian F. Wilbur (1868-1951) and Harriet “Hattie” Bence Silvia (1878-1971). This tea set was hand painted by Mary Thackery (1860-1940), aunt of the donor. You may recognize Mary Thackery’s surname, as she is the older sister to Sarah A. Thackery, who painted last week’s Tiny Tuesday!
So put on a cozy sweater, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a hot cuppa!