All About Chinese Porcelain

Chinese porcelain is one of the most popular materials from which a large number of dishes and other products are made. In this material, we will consider the history of porcelain and get acquainted with its main characteristics.

Chinese porcelain is a material that has a rather long, but at the same time interesting history of origin and development. According to research, the first mention of Chinese porcelain dates back to the second millennium BC. However, in its modern understanding, the material appeared much later, because it gradually improved with the development of technology. In the VI-VII centuries of our era, Chinese scientists began to manufacture high-quality porcelain, which possessed a large number of positive and valuable characteristics: It was an absolute white color and very thin.

The Chinese tried to use jade, clay, wood and other materials, but none of these options came up. Over time, suitable starting materials have been found. The progenitor of modern porcelain was made of unusual rock, which was alloy of mica and quartz. This material was mined in Jiangxi province. The first ancient porcelain workshops appeared here.

After China established its trade relations with other countries, porcelain and its various varieties (for example, stucco porcelain) began to spread throughout the globe. The material quickly attracted the attention of the world community and won the love of many consumers.

Chinese porcelain, like any other material that exists in nature, is not ideal. Of course, he has a large number of positive characteristics, thanks to which he received widespread popularity and love of the consumer. But, in addition to this, porcelain also has negative characteristics.

If we talk about the advantages of the material, then first of all it should be highlighted durability and reliability. The thing is that The raw material for making porcelain is a mixture of clay, kaolin, quartz and feldspar. It burns at high temperature. As a result of such processes, durable material is obtained that can withstand a whole list of negative external influences.

Aesthetically pleasing appearance - this is the property because of which a large number of housewives give preference to dishes from this material.

However, in addition to the above list of positive characteristics, material from China has several disadvantages. Among the minuses are most often distinguished high cost of products, because of which porcelain, as well as other interior items can not afford to get representatives of the lower social classes. Besides, the material is very sensitive to various kinds of mechanical stress and can break easily. In connection with this characteristic, it requires additional care.

As you know, porcelain is a fairly popular material from which a large number of products are made for a variety of purposes, for example, plates, sets of dishes, vases etc. If we turn to historical information, it is important to know that the first objects that were made of this material were jugs. Their surface was carefully polished, and by themselves they had an elongated shape. In addition, porcelain was used for the manufacture of vaz (or celadon, as they were called in the ancient world), which performed a decorative function.

Today, these things are considered not only household items, but also true works of art. Many collectors hunt for them, and they are also exhibited in many museums around the world.

During the reign of the Tang Dynasty, and then the Ming Dynasty, porcelain products began to be widely used, which had various stampings on their surface: drawings and patterns. The production of vessels, which were painted using 3 colors, was put on the mass flow.. They were covered with glaze and painting. It was such porcelain that was manufactured on an industrial level that first came to Europe.

The most classic application of porcelain, which is still popular today, is considered to be the manufacture of a variety of dishes from this material. Currently, such production is developing on a fairly large scale. However, a similar phenomenon took place in ancient times. Thus, by order of the emperor, more than 30,000 dishes, 16,000 plates and 18,000 mugs per year were produced in ancient China.

Today, there are almost countless porcelain design options. Dishes from this material can have a relief and stucco design, be monophonic, painted with paints, etc.

If we talk about the relief method of decorating, it is important to note that such a design is applied to the walls of dishes engraving or perforation. Elements can be extruded immediately on the dishes or made separately, and then glued to the main subject. As for the application of paintings (drawings, ornaments, patterns, etc.), there are 2 options for its implementation: under the icing or on top of it.

In general, today in the market you can find china for every taste and color. Pure white sets, design options with bronze or silver, and also objects with artistic stucco molding are popular.

Today, the production of traditional Chinese porcelain is handled by many companies around the world. In addition to the Chinese brands, many European brands also have secrets of unique material. Among the most popular and popular companies that have established themselves exclusively on the positive side, there are several.

• Hebei grinding wheel factory. The Chinese brand is famous for its wide range and unsurpassed quality of the offered products. Under this brand, not only tableware and tableware made from high-quality porcelain are produced, but also original decorative elements for decorating the interior (figurines, vases, candle holders, etc.).

• Royal classics. Another popular brand from China. The brand’s assortment line includes services and separate utensils, jugs, decanters and vases, candy boxes and fruit bowls, teapots and containers for spices, as well as souvenir products. All products are of impeccable quality, wide color gamut. The design uses both traditional oriental motifs and more modern decor elements.

• Colombo. The most sophisticated connoisseurs of Chinese porcelain will surely like the products of this brand. Luxurious tea sets, sets of plates and salad bowls, serving dishes, candy cans, crockery, coasters for napkins and other products are made in light pastel colors. Colombo pays special attention to murals and decor. Paints are applied to unprocessed dishes, and after firing, drawings and ornaments acquire the final intensity of colors and clarity of lines.

• Nuova r2s - An Italian brand whose manufacturing facilities are located in China. The main conceptual idea of ​​the company is the release of products in a single design solution. This allows you to easily decorate the interior with dishes, souvenir items and other decorative elements in the same style. The company uses only the highest quality porcelain to produce its products. The original gift wrapping of brand products deserves special mention.

In order to choose a real elite porcelain and not to purchase a fake, You should be guided by a few simple rules.

• Try tapping the edge of the porcelain with a wooden object: You should hear a loud and melodious sound.
• Pay particular attention to the color of the porcelain. It can be pure white or milky. Any shades of gray indicate that the product is made from low-quality raw materials.
• In the light of china should shine through since the material itself is quite thin.
• The surface of high-quality porcelain must be smooth, without any irregularities. Chips, scratches and other defects are considered defective.
• Take a closer look at how a porcelain item stands on a surface: its bottom should fit quite tightly.

There are several rules for the operation of porcelain products, which help you maintain their appearance and extend their life.

• When washing porcelain, carefully monitor the temperature of the water. It should be warm, not hot.
• As a detergent You can use only baby soap. It is strictly forbidden to use any chemical compounds.
• After washing be sure to wipe the porcelain dry.
• Do not use a dishwasher for washing. Only the manual method will do.
• Store porcelain in a dry place.

The following video will tell even more about Chinese porcelain.