Nora Norry’s Collecting Journal #2

Nora Norry, collector of rare and exquisite objects , had recently acquired a stunning, one-of-a-kind tea service. The bone china set was said to have once belonged to a Russian aristocrat and featured intricate floral engravings and gemstone adornments.

News of this remarkable acquisition reached Buckingham Palace, and Queen Victoria, an avid tea enthusiast and connoisseur of fine china, expressed a desire to see the service for herself. She invited Nora to bring her collection to the palace for a private viewing.

Upon arrival, Nora was greeted by the Queen, who was impressed not only by the tea-set, but also by Nora’s charm and etiquette. As they admired the collection together, the Queen suggested they take a break and enjoy a cup of tea together.

Thus, Nora found herself sitting across from Queen Victoria, sipping tea from Her Majesty’s own service, and engaging in a delightful conversation about the art of tea drinking and the beauty of fine china. After tea, the Queen thanked Nora graciously and the Treasure Hunter departed.

Weeks passed, and Nora Norry received another invitation to a private appointment at Buckingham Palace. Upon arrival, she was led to a cozy salon where Nora’s "Golden Chrysanthemum" teaset was displayed prominently on a nearby table, alongside the Queen's Ming dynasty set.

After they finished a delightful high tea, the Queen praised Nora's exceptional taste and expertise, emphasizing the value of their shared passion for rare teasets. And then Victoria proposed a "friendly exchange": Nora's "Golden Chrysanthemum" for the Palace Ming dynasty set, plus a choice of any rare, antique teacup from the palace collection.

Nora Norry looked over the prized Ming teaset, prominently displayed on a nearby shelf. A knowing glint sparkled in her eye, for Nora realized something that Victoria did not know: the Queen's treasured teaset was, in fact, a masterful reproduction, not the genuine article. The Queen, oblivious to the deception, beamed with pride, none the wiser. Nora's lips curled into a subtle, enigmatic smile, as she savored the quiet thrill of her own hidden knowledge.

But Nora was aware of two other things - first, revealing the truth of the fake Ming set would be extremely embarrassing to the Royal Family. And secondly, she knew the significance and the prestige of owning a piece from the Royal Palace collection!

She readily agreed to the exchange, and the delighted Queen quickly summoned her lady-in-waiting to witness the transaction.

With the deal complete, Nora Norry and Queen Victoria shared a warm smile, their mutual respect and admiration for each other's collections cemented.

As Nora departed the palace, she felt honored to have navigated the intricate dance of royal etiquette, also securing a truly regal addition to her collection. Not to mention the knowledge that her trade deal had prevented a Royal Scandal for a person that she truly admired and respected!

Bone china tea cups are highly prized for several reasons:

1. Translucency: Bone china is known for its delicate, translucent quality, allowing light to pass through and showcasing the tea's color.

2. Strength: Despite its dainty appearance, bone china is incredibly strong and resistant to chipping and cracking.

3. Whiteness: Bone china has a bright, snowy whiteness that enhances the appearance of tea and adds to the overall aesthetic experience.

4. Craftsmanship: Bone china tea cups are often handmade, making each one a unique work of art.

5. History: Bone china has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century, and is often associated with traditional English tea culture.

6. Feel: Bone china tea cups are often described as feeling luxurious and smooth to the touch.

7. Sound: The delicate ring of bone china tea cups when tapped is unmistakable and adds to their charm.

Overall, bone china tea cups offer a perfect blend of beauty, durability, and tradition, making them a beloved choice among tea enthusiasts. A thin rim is another desirable feature of bone china tea cups! A thin rim allows for a more delicate, refined experience, as the tea can be sipped without the rim overpowering the mouth. This enables the drinker to fully appreciate the subtle flavors and aromas of the tea. Thin-rimmed bone china tea cups are often considered a hallmark of high-quality craftsmanship and are particularly prized by tea connoisseurs. The thin rim also adds to the overall elegance and sophistication of the tea-drinking experience.

Bone china tea cups are also said to enhance the taste of tea! The material's non-porous and neutral characteristics prevent it from imparting any flavors or odors to the tea, allowing the drinker to experience the tea's pure, unadulterated taste. Additionally, the delicate warmth of bone china is said to bring out the subtle nuances of tea flavors, making each sip a delight for the senses. So, not only do bone china tea cups delight the eyes and hands, but they also please the palate!