Some Facts About Chinese Porcelain

Chinese porcelain has always been known for its exotic and durable characteristics. It was originally made from various ingredients such as glass, bone, ash, quartz, and alabaster. The primary and main raw material of Chinese porcelain is kaolin, a clay mineral. The name kaolin was sourced from a small village located by the Gaoling mountain, situated near China’s porcelain capital Jingdezhen.

Porcelain was first created in China, authentic Chinese porcelain was first produced in the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) and production continued to be an important national art right up to the last Imperial Dynasty- The Quinn Dynasty (1644-1912)

The raw materials of Chinese porcelain are inexpensive and readily available. Chinese Porcelain is known as "China", reflecting its almost exclusive production in its land of origin. It was also called "China" in western countries and became the common name for porcelain in the English language.

Exporting

Chinese porcelain was first exported over 2000 years ago. Known to have been exported as early as the Han Dynasty and grew due to the large-scale trade improvements developed on the Silk Road routes. As a result, "China" was quickly introduced to western countries, and then the world. Thanks to the prosperous maritime trade during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) Chinese porcelain was able to be exported in large quantities.

A well-cared-for porcelain piece can last over 1,000 years. True hard-paste porcelain has a long life if taken care of, made with kaolin, quartz, and feldspar rock in the right proportions, it is extremely durable and has translucent properties.

Numerous procedures are needed to make a porcelain piece after the initial gathering of the raw materials

* Crushing raw materials

* Cleaning and mixing materials

* Forming the shape

* Bisque firing (first firing)

* Glazing

* Final firing

In between these main processes more sundry operations are needed to be completed.

In ancient China supplying porcelain to Imperial Family required government permission.

Unlike today's mass production, in ancient China porcelain was made by various small enterprises in different villages. The Imperial Family would have priority on buying the best ceramics and only a small number of workshops could be Royal Kilns, upon receiving recognition from the government. The Royal Kilns had the highest status in the ceramic industry.

The Value

Antique "China" is still highly sought after. The record price for a piece is $84,000,000.

For enthusiasts, ranging from Chinese emperors to western art lovers, Chinese antique porcelain is a special collector's item, the classic artistic product of China. The less expensive and non-antique items have always been trendy souvenirs.

"China" was traditionally marked by the Emperor’s reign and Dynasty. Most antique Chinese porcelain will have a mark on the bottom of the item, the potter's brand, the dynasty of the time, and also the Emperor’s name. This branding is important and the key to spotting fakes and imitations.

Jingdezhen is the most famous city in China for porcelain, also known as Jingde Town, it is the famous “porcelain capital” of China, situated approximately 400km (250 miles) west of the ancient “Tea Capital” Hangzhou.

Jingdezhen got its name from Emperor Jingde of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in 1004, because of its fine bluish white porcelain produced for the Emperor.

The Jingdezhen Ceramics Museum was the first of its kind and can be found in the world-renowned porcelain capital. A showcase for outstanding achievement in ceramics covering the last two thousand years.

The Lifestyle

Today's "China" is a member of the ceramics family ranging from pottery, stoneware, terracotta, and different types of porcelain. However, the properties of "China" has given the world a high-quality ceramic that allows for household and industrial applications that wouldn't have been possible. The blend of art with the non-porous properties allows for creative use such as a handmade Oil Dispenser to machine-formed floor tiling and integrates well in a domestic farmhouse style home to modern apartment decor. Due to its hard properties and high-temperature resistance with low expansion today's industry has added the material as an enamel coating on pots/pans for scratch resistance and ease of cleaning. And due to its low porosity and ease of cleaning it helps to keep hygiene in check and maintain better health.

At The Bright Angle we love working with this amazing material, not just for the properties but for the art it delivers around a home. Some highlights of some of these products are below:

The Sprout Bud Vase adds a touch of studio pottery to any space.

• The Sprout Bud Vase is 2" x 2" x 3.25"
• Handmade from Porcelain 
• Microwave & Dishwasher safe

Our Ceramic Salt Cellar was designed with care to be the last salt container you’ll ever need. Store your salts inside its circular interior for smooth and easy access while cooking, so you can season your favorite foods without having to search for salt in your spice cabinet.

• The Salt Cellar measures 3.75" tall x 3.75" wide x 2" deep
• Handmade from porcelain 
• Dishwasher & Microwave Safe 

Our Utensil Crock is perfectly sized to hold all of your essential kitchen utensils – wooden spoons, ladles and more – so you can say goodbye to clutter filled drawers. Everything you need to make home cooked meals will soon reside within an arm’s distance.

• The Utensil Crock is 5" x 5" x 6.5" 
• Dishwasher & Microwave Safe 
• Handmade from Porcelain