Yesterday I visited a very new tea museum in Taradale. I have always liked museums. When I told my youngest son (Master 9) what I was doing yesterday he said "Oh Mum, are you going to drink tea with your little finger sticking out?"
When I arrived I was amazed at the tastefully set out and full to over flowing place. I was met by Deane (the owner of the museum). He is a friendly and welcoming fellow, who is passionate about his collection. He has a wealth of informative information about the pieces in the museum.
When I told Deane what Master 9 had said about my visit. He told me the history of where this custom came from. Apparently the emperors in China drank with their little finger sticking out as their cups didnt have handles and by using their pinky in such a fashion they were able to guide the cup better and not spill their tea. It seems it caught on in Victorian times when it was popular to have fancy tea parties.
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| I really liked this lounge type area, a nice a place for a cuppa and a read. Part of the museum is a shop where can buy tea and many other items related to the experience. |
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| Victorian Teapot Stands dated 1890 and an English Hot Water Urn, Thomas Hayter 1810. |
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| Tea cosies! |
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| A Rovers Return Inn teapot - Ive always liked miniture houses and buildings similar to this |
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| Tea Bag Holders |
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| This collection of boxes was in a tea chest. I use to have some tea chests to store papers and books in. |
I am going to make this a 2 part story as I had so much trouble whittling down the photos I took. Come back tomorrow to see what other delightful items I saw. If you cant wait that long and are in Napier pop into the museum and tell Deane you saw the blog post here :)
The Gypsy Rose Tea Museum
319 Gloucester Street
(upstairs cnr Gloucester Street and Puketapu Road)
Taradale
Napier
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