Despite what some sources may say, the supposed “antique” form of Sinistea and Polteageist is worse for the Pokémon than the “phony” form. The company which produces the antique form tea sets mass produce them, and in the process use materials that hurt the Pokémon that inhabit them.
The single benefit that comes from the antique form is that their tea tastes better. That part is true. However, their power, stamina, and overall durability take a huge fall from the phony form, and they get sick way more easily. Letting a Polteageist inhabit a homemade tea pot, or even one that’s simply been passed down from generation to generation, will work the best and give them the best quality of life.
Like many ghost type Pokémon, this line is very sensitive to the emotions of others, and even though most are attuned to more negative emotions, Sinistea and Polteageist focus more on the positive. As silly as it sounds, teapots that are old and cared for over the years house these ghosts the best. This is where the idea of the antique pots comes into play– it’s just that the supposedly “real” antique ones aren’t actually old nor cared for.
#854.5 - Sinistea are Pokemon said to be created when a lonely spirit possesses a cold, leftover cup of tea. The teacup that Sinistea prefer are from a famous set of antique tableware, though they sometimes posses forgeries by mistake. Sinistea absorb the life-force of those who drink it, and wait patiently for an opportunity, but they taste so bad that they get spit out immediately; however, the more life-force a Sinistea absorbs, the better its black tea will taste. These Pokemon wander through hotels and restaurants in search of a matching teapot to possess. Once they’ve found one, they will pour themselves into the new vessel, taking it over.
