Retro note — a product style is usually unique to the period when it was made. However, some products, like this one, are inspired by an earlier style or even by several styles. So in that case they have a Retro or Traditional style. You would find some such products from the 1930s onward, but mostly after the 1970s.

Facts of Lavish History bits — large imports of tea to Europe from China began in the 17th century. Tea arrived along with the spice trade and other luxury goods, such as porcelain.