Moroccan Silver-Plated Mint Tea Set with Teapot, Glasses, and Mirrored Tray
Tea/Coffee Service (Moroccan Teapot and Tea Set with Glasses and Serving Tray) · Traditional Artisan / Regional Moroccan Guild (Unmarked or General Export Maker)
Pattern: Traditional North African / Maghrebi Floral and Geometric Repoussé Pattern
Type
Tea/Coffee Service (Moroccan Teapot and Tea Set with Glasses and Serving Tray)
Maker
Traditional Artisan / Regional Moroccan Guild (Unmarked or General Export Maker)
Material
Silver-Plated Base Metal (typically alpaca, nickel silver, or brass core), with glass tumblers featuring silver-tone metallic accents
Dimensions
Teapot height approximately 25-30 cm; Tray diameter approximately 30-35 cm; Weight estimated at 1.5 to 2.5 kg for the complete set
Description
A stunning and culturally vibrant Moroccan mint tea set featuring a characteristic bulbous teapot with a soaring domed lid and finial, an elongated curved spout, and intricate hand-chased repoussé detailing. The set is accompanied by a matching arrangement of glass tumblers decorated with metallic geometric patterns and sits elegantly upon a circular mirrored serving tray with a raised gallery rim. This ensemble embodies the rich hospitality traditions of North Africa.
Key Features
Classic Maghrebi teapot silhouette, elaborate hand-chased foliate and geometric motifs, matching silver-accented tea glasses, and a reflective circular serving tray
Material & Composition
Silver-Plated Base Metal (typically alpaca, nickel silver, or brass core), with glass tumblers featuring silver-tone metallic accents
Finish & Decoration
Bright polished finish with hand-chased and repoussé floral, foliate, and geometric Moorish motifs across the bulbous body of the teapot, domed lid, and spout
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically unmarked or bearing generic artisan export stamps; hand-crafted items from this region frequently lack traditional European-style assay or purity hallmarks
Construction Details
Mixed construction involving spun or raised sheet metal for the teapot body, cast spouts and handles, hand-soldered joins, and hand-chased surface decoration
Functional Features
Hinged or lift-off domed lid with finial, long curved pouring spout designed for traditional high-pour mint tea service, loop handle, paired with matching glass holders and a round mirrored serving tray
Handle & Grip Details
Side-mounted loop handle made of matching silver-plated metal, designed with heat-insulating spacing or solid cast construction typical of North African teapots
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-chased and embossed ornamentation executed by traditional artisans, showing a blend of manual decorative techniques combined with standard industrial base metal fabrication
Authentication Indicators
Typical artisan construction methods of North African export metalwork, lacking standard Western hallmarks but exhibiting authentic hand-chased detailing and regional stylistic accuracy
Origin & Manufacturing
Morocco (likely produced in artisan hubs such as Fez, Marrakech, or Casablanca)
Era & Period
Mid to Late 20th Century Tourist/Export Ware (often replicating traditional 19th-century Moroccan designs)
Age Estimate
Circa 1970-1990
Cultural Significance
Represents the vital Moroccan tradition of hospitality, social bonding, and the blending of Berber and Arab artistic heritage in metalwork and domestic customs
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with minor surface wear and light tarnish consistent with age and decorative use; silver plating remains largely intact with bright reflective surfaces
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $75 to $200 USD depending on the quality of craftsmanship, materials, and completeness of the set
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a soft cloth and mild soap; avoid harsh chemical silver dips which can strip plated surfaces or damage the glass elements; store in a dry environment
Similar Pieces
Middle Eastern brass or silver-plated coffee and tea services, Turkish copper tea sets, and various Levantine hospitality trays
Interesting Facts
In Morocco, serving mint tea is a revered hospitality ritual often performed by the head of the household, where the tea is poured from a great height to aerate the liquid and create a desirable foam on top