In Chine were they were made the first vessels, were actually teabowls, to drink a soup. Porcelain migrated to Europe in the 18th century, in Germany they were not so popular. Meissen began adding handles to those bowls and tallers more like it were coffee cups, thus transforming them into teacups as they were known. Chinese manufacturers copied the Meissen designs and began to produce teacups (in the middle 18th century).  Since the 1740 it was made a full set of tea wares, also today known as a tea service (typically included 12 matching teacups, 12 saucers, 12 coffee cups, a milk jug, a slop bowl, a lidded sugar bowl and a teapot. Then earlyer teacups and saucers were decorated with traditional Chinese imagery, flowers, landscapes, or other patterns. And so teacups spread throughout Europe, in England, where the were and still are popular to drink tea. 

But now collektors often look instead of complete tea services,  for individual cups ( includes a teacup, coffee cup, and a single saucer).

I choose some of teacups, that are rare, antique, vintage, wery beautiful design, i just love this precision and details, very beautiful are this peaces.

Image source: https://www.pinterest.ie/pin/102386591512877656/