Main blog
The Japanese inherited tea from the empire of China: A country where the art of tea was already ages old – a gentle pleasure that ran back to antiquity. It is perhaps fitting that tea arrived in Japan in 805, the same century that saw the writing of the Cha Ching (The Classic of Tea) […]
Alex
Antique teaware: China
by on October 13, 2016
“A cup of tea is a cup of peace.” Soshitsu Sen XV Tea is for some a repast and for others a religion. It entered history as a medicinal brew during the Han dynasty of China (206 BC–220 AD), although folk tales mention tea being drunk during the long years of the ancient Shang dynasty […]
Royal Doulton porcelain
by on October 12, 2015
The secret of porcelain was closely guarded by the Chinese for generations. The method of its manufacture was highly coveted by Europe and when the Europeans finally learned the arcana of porcelain in the 18th century, a thriving industry immediately came into being. Within a century, the prime producers of porcelain were household names in […]
Porcelain – China’s gift to the world
by on March 16, 2015
China is country of many firsts. It could even be said the much of mankind’s history is the history of China. The Chinese invented what many historians consider to be most ground breaking inventions in world history: Gunpowder, Paper, Printing and the Compass. The first revolutionized warfare, the second two allowed for the dissemination of ideas and culture […]
The most valuable teas in the world
by on January 30, 2015
In the East tea is treated with the same veneration and sophistication as Europe affords the ruby vintages of its vineyards. In the West a cup of tea is merely a soothing end to a long days work, or a wonderful way to spruce up a delicious breakfast; here its most extreme incarnation is found […]
Gemstone spotlight: Pearls
by on November 5, 2014
Moh Hardness Scale: 2.5 to 4.5 Specific Gravity: 2.6 – 2.85 Refractive Index: 1.52 – 1.69 Colour: White, pink, yellow, silver, black, blue, green Pearls are some of the oldest of all gemstones, perhaps the oldest. Valued since ancient times, specimens dating from the 6th century BC have been discovered. Traditionally seen as a […]
Our picks of rare finds on bidorbuy this November!
by on November 4, 2014
There is no shortage of interesting collectable objects and antiques on bidorbuy this November! First of all, if you are looking to tie the knot, then consider this 2.24 ct internally flawless, G colour diamond. Certified fully by the world’s pre-eminent diamond body the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), this stone is perfect for […]
Rare finds for October
by on October 8, 2014
Porcelain Collectors of English porcelain will rejoice at this beautiful and rare 1940 Royal Albert Rosedrop Bone China set of six tea cups and saucers. If your fancy is tickled by the classic porcelain ware of the East, then consider this antique Samurai tea cup and saucer made in 1891. Furniture Most modern […]
Spotted on bidorbuy in September!
by on September 4, 2014
bidorbuy is the number one spot on the net to find treasures of all types, including collectible coins, militaria, porcelain, stamps and cut gemstones. Here we showcase some of the coolest, rarest items that are currently available on bidorbuy! Books All seasoned collectors of Africana books rejoice! A rare 1st edition of Jock of the Bushveld is available on bidorbuy. If […]
The rarest gemstones you’ve never heard of
by on June 30, 2014
Since ancient times men have coveted the mineral riches of the earth. Iron, tin, copper, silver and gold have been valued since antiquity, alongside the various gems with which they share the dark rock. The Ancient Greeks were the first to classify gems into two broad categories – precious and semi-precious stones. The original […]