The Chronicle of Porcelain is as Amazing as the Best Porcelain Vases

The first porcelain was produced in China during the 8th century. Nowhere else in the world were wares of such fineness and durability to be seen. Porcelain became a great favorite among the ruling classes of the nations that traded with China. In all of the places where porcelain was exported, an effort to reproduce this type of pottery was attempted. The secret of making porcelain was soon discovered by these other nations. It had nothing to do with the firing technique but was the result of the clay mixture used for porcelain vases. Today the finest wares are still made of porcelain although there are slightly different types of porcelain available. Porcelain was discovered in China during the Tang Dynasty During the 8th century, Chinese potters developed a type of ceramic that was thinner and denser than its predecessors. It was made by adding kaolin and porcelain stone to ordinary clay. Through the years that followed, the Chinese managed to improve the quality of their porcelain. Many of the antique pieces that have survived are excellent examples of consummate workmanship and art. Porcelain found its way to the Arabian kingdoms. Soon after, the Arabs themselves were making it. Some pieces may have travelled to Europe during the Crusades. Porcelain comes to Europe It was from the Portuguese port of Macau that the first porcelain to reach Europe came. European nobility admired the delicacy and strength of the material and ordered their own potters to reproduce it. After many years of failed experiments, the secret of true porcelain was finally uncovered by Friedriche Bottger, a German alchemist turned potter. This was in 1710. Soon porcelain was being manufactured in France and Britain too. The British have developed an even stronger and more transparent type of porcelain called 'bone china'. The name refers to the fact that it is made with clay to which powdered animal bone has been added. The long story of porcelain started during the Tang dynasty in China. From China, it found its way to Arabia where it was successfully reproduced. Apparently, the Arabians had gotten hold of the secret formula involved in making porcelain clay. Kaolin and a substance called 'porcelain stone' were mixed with the normal clay used for pottery. Porcelain finally reached Europe through the Portuguese trade route originating from the port of Macau. In Europe, porcelain was greatly admired and many efforts were expended in unsuccessful attempts to recreate it. The Europeans were not aware of the special ingredients used to make porcelain until the 18th century when a German alchemist managed to make the first real porcelain pieces in Europe. Today, a type of porcelain developed by the British exceeds the original in strength and transparency and is a favorite vessel for serving tea. The story of the development of porcelain is long and detailed. If you are interested in finding out more about porcelain, simply visit our website and browse our articles on the subject. You will also find other informative articles on topics related to floor vases and interior decorating that you may find useful.