Cover A Sadler teapot that’s among the collector Florence Chia's most cherished pieces
A Sadler teapot that’s among the collector Florence Chia's most cherished pieces
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The elegance of vintage tea sets continues to enchant collector Florence Chia—here’s how she channeled her passion for bone china tableware into her business, Shabby Chic Singapore
In her day job as CEO of SME Capital Holdings, Florence Chia helps local business owners secure loans from major banks and financial institutions. As a veteran entrepreneur herself, Chia is aware of how a business can often start as a passion project—she founded Shabby Chic Singapore, a purveyor of vintage tableware, as a project that was kindled by her love of bone china tea sets.
Today, Chia counts collectors from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia among her regular clientele. “Shabby Chic Singapore honestly started as a hobby and I’ve been running it to connect with other buyers and sellers of fine bone china,” she says. “When you hold bone china in your hands, you’ll find that it’s so delicate and pretty. Even drinking from a bone china cup is a unique experience in itself; as I drank from it, the tea grew even more fragrant.”
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Above Chia loves hosting afternoon tea sessions with her bone china sets
Chia loves hosting afternoon tea sessions with her bone china sets
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The entrepreneur likens the search for these prized vintage pieces to a treasure hunt; each item in the Shabby Chic Singapore collection is personally sourced by the firm’s founder.
“It can be hard to determine the quality of the item when you’re purchasing online, but I love the feeling when I manage to find a really good piece,” she laughs, commenting on the procurement process.
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Above The off-white cabinetry was specially built to house her treasured collection
The off-white cabinetry was specially built to house her treasured collection
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These delicate bone china tableware are crafted from calcined animal bones, china clay, stone, and pure silica; the bone ash gives these pieces their distinctive off-white tones. Due to the cost, scarcity of raw materials, and the level of craftsmanship involved, some pieces might grow to be even more valuable in the coming years.
Above Entrepreneur Florence Chia is an ardent fan of collecting vintage bone china tea sets
Above She professes a preference for sets with floral designs such as pink cottage rose shrubs
Entrepreneur Florence Chia is an ardent fan of collecting vintage bone china tea sets
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“These artisanally crafted tea sets are made to last, and meant to be passed down from one generation to another,” says Chia. “That’s why these are so valuable, because the artisans really put their heart and soul into making them. Some of these pieces are in such an excellent condition that they still look new with all the gold detailing intact.”
These artisanally crafted tea sets are made to last, and meant to be passed down from one generation to another
Most of Shabby Chic Singapore tableware originates from the UK. Chia particularly adores Sadler teapots, estimating that she has over 80 of them in her collection, and admires the delicate decorative swirls of Shelley teacups. Other brands she owns include cherished sets from Imperial, EB Foley, and Royal Albert.
Above The exquisite vintage tea sets add a tasteful touch to tabletops, creating a beautiful tablescape
The exquisite vintage tea sets add a tasteful touch to tabletops, creating a beautiful tablescape
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The collector has also amassed several pieces that have risen in value in the past two decades that she has been running Shabby Chic Singapore. Chia estimates that some of these can fetch up to four-figure sums, and even more if they are rare and in mint condition. However, she is quick to emphasise that collecting these vintage treasures is ultimately not about the financial returns.
“It isn’t about the money; even though the prices of (the bone china tea sets in) my collection have gone up so much, it’s still very difficult for me to part with them,” she declares.
Above A Sadler teapot that’s among the collector’s most cherished pieces
A Sadler teapot that’s among the collector’s most cherished pieces
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The collector advises buyers to look for pieces that ultimately attest to their taste and personality. “There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to collecting, as everyone has their own preferences,” declares Chia. “Look for whatever you like, and whatever calls out to you. After all, the process of collecting is very personal and meant to be enjoyed, and not stressed over.”
Credits
Art Direction: Charlene Lee
Photography: Jasper Yu at Jyu Studio
Make-Up: Benedict Choo
Hair: Benedict Choo
