Steeped in Heritage: Newby Teas and the Chitra Collection of rare teawares

With other historically important and exquisitely crafted pieces such as teapots and bowls dating from China’s Song Dynasty (960–1279), a silver tea set gifted to Winston Churchill’s daughter, Lady Mary Soames, a hand-painted tea service dating from 1816 presented by Louis XVIII of France to the Duchesse de Berry, and a silver tea caddy once owned by former US president Theodore Roosevelt, the Chitra Collection lives up to its mission of preserving the cultural cachet of tea with its assortment of the most coveted and unique teawares.

At the Tatler Homes Design Awards 2025, Newby Teas products were also presented to guests as part of the evening’s experience: a gesture that reflects its association with design, craft, and refined living.

Sethia, who also established the charitable N Sethia Foundation, is well known for his love of tea and appreciation of fine craftsmanship. He started the Chitra Collection, which is named in remembrance of his late wife, in 2011 under the auspices of the Foundation as a means of acknowledging and inspiring respect for tea’s 5,000-year-old history and traditions. The N Sethia Foundation supports various philanthropic initiatives in medical research, education, social empowerment and disaster relief, among others.

Born into a prominent Indian family, Sethia developed an affinity for tea at a young age. He started work as a tea taster in London in the 1950s, later moving on to a role as a Kolkata-based buyer for an Irish tea importer. Sethia soon launched his own venture, Sethia Tea Estates, dealing in teas from all over the globe; he also subsequently acquired a tea plantation located in Assam. Fast forward to the year 2000, when Newby Teas was founded and came under the stewardship of the enterprising business mogul.

Both Newby Teas and the Chitra Collection naturally share similar values, resulting in a more robust brand alignment and cohesive overall culture. “Newby Teas distinguishes itself through its dedication to sourcing rare, premium teas directly from estates worldwide, combined with innovative collections like the Chitra Collection and collaborations that epitomise craftsmanship and exclusivity,” says Duane Thia, co-founder and CEO of Doors to Asia, Newby Teas’ official distributor here.

“The Chitra Collection translates our commitment to craftsmanship, artistry and cultural heritage into beautifully designed teawares and limited-edition collections that elevate the tea ritual,” Thia adds, elaborating that each piece exemplifies “superior craftsmanship, cultural authenticity and design excellence”.

Besides its historically significant pieces, the Collection also features a number of personally designed and commissioned objects, such as the aforementioned Egoist teapot. Sethia loans certain pieces to museums periodically.

Newby Teas itself is a brand at the vanguard of innovation in the tea industry, characterised by several commendable initiatives. The firm’s Kolkata facility derives half of its power from renewable energy, including solar power. It offsets its remaining emissions via renewable solar-panel initiatives with Indian conglomerate Shapoorji Pallonji, as well as an afforestation project
in China.

With an eye on health considerations, the brand tests all its tea leaves for over 600 contaminants, and is also the only company to test all its teas for their fluoride content, ensuring their safety for human consumption. Incidentally, its unique signature blends and single-origin tea offerings are aimed at “connoisseurs of fine teas, luxury lifestyle brands, collectors of artisanal objects, and consumers seeking a sophisticated and authentic tea experience,” says Thia.

In addition, the brand is a member of the Ethical Tea Partnership, a global non-profit that focuses on improving the lives of tea workers worldwide, and ensuring that tea production is environmentally sustainable and more ethical. Newby Teas also uses home-compostable packaging and biodegradable tea bags made from materials such as abaca, wood pulp and cornstarch, removing all plastics from the equation.

Thia revealed plans to expand the brand’s presence in Southeast Asia through strategic retail partnerships, exclusive collections, and immersive experiences that introduce Newby Teas’ heritage and craftsmanship to a wider audience. “You can look forward to new limited editions in the Chitra Collection, collaborations with renowned artisans, and immersive tea experiences that celebrate both heritage as well as innovation,” he concludes.

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