The World of Porcelain Antiques

The Chinese were the first to invent porcelain a staggering 1000 years before the rest of Europe. Porcelain is actually made by heating a form of clay called kaolin and other minerals in a kiln to temperatures of between 1200 and 1400 C. Porcelain can be described as translucent and glassy. When held up to the light you can see through it. A common name for porcelain still to this day is ‘China’ which the West called it because China was the sole producers of it originally.

During China’s history many porcelain pieces made were hand painted and were stunningly beautiful. Some of the finest pieces made in the Ming Era (1368 – 1644) for imperial use now feature in many museums around the world today. Following the Ming Era was the Qing Era from (1644 – 1911) where the quality of the porcelain varied as more was produced for export than imperial use.

Marco Polo in the late 13th century came across porcelain in China. He coined the term porcelain to describe this Chinese ceramic which was unknown in Europe. However it wasn’t until the early 16th century that Europe began trading with China starting with the Portuguese, followed by the Spanish, and later by the Dutch, English and others. The Dutch and English were the most successful from Europe, with their trading with China, exporting cargo loads of porcelain wares ranging from tea cups, plates, bowls and vases to name a few. In these very early days only those who had money could afford porcelain, having porcelain was a status symbol.

Europe highly desired this beautiful porcelain and were fascinated by it, although they were obtaining it from China they wanted to make it themselves. But how did they make this porcelain which was far more advanced than the ceramics produced anywhere in Europe, what was the secret of this ‘white gold’ as it also became know as? So the race was on how did you make this porcelain? England, Germany, Italy, France were all in the running to discover the formula. King Louis the XIV even sponsored experiments at French factories. Whoever in Europe could discover first how to produce this ‘white gold’ would excel ahead of the rest and would start exporting themselves. It would be like winning the world cup.

China somehow managed to keep the secret for a further 200 years from the time when Europe started trading with China.

So who was the first to discover the secret of producing porcelain? It was Germany in 1708 when they discovered the special kaolin clay required. With Germany discovering the secret of white gold, the famous Meissen factories in Germany excelled producing some beautiful wares much sought after even to this day. Later in the 1700’s other countries in Europe including England discovered how to produce porcelain. As would be expected with the secret out demand for porcelain directly from China started to decline as Europe could produce it themselves now.

In the 18th century many porcelain factories were established in England including Bow, and Worcester but to name a few. Like other countries across Europe England went on to produce some beautiful porcelain pieces. Highly influenced by the Chinese one of England’s favourite porcelain wares is the Blue & White Willow pattern. Inspired by a Chinese pattern Josiah Spode in 1790 invented the willow pattern and a legend to go along with it, a tragic love story about a Chinese girl.

China with its secrets has had a great influence over Europe in the world of Antiques particularly porcelain. The porcelain industry owes a lot of thanks to China for introducing us to porcelain. So next time you are drinking out of tea cup think of China and its secret.

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Welcome to Divers of Pearls, we are an established on-line antique dealer based in England. We supply a vast range of delightful quality antiques and collectibles. Our wares include porcelain, pottery, glass and metal ranging from English, Chinese porcelain, Japanese to Continental items. Whether you are looking for

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