Summary :
The ceramic of which porcelain is related has similar properties because it is also treated at high temperatures, made from natural clay mixed with water and other materials to make it flexible for shaping. However, it remains more damaging during possible physical impacts or thermal shocks.
Porcelains also have the particularity of being fired at high temperatures of 2300° to 2600°. Their clay is refined, the temperature high, we then obtain a material that is harder, whiter, more translucent, less porous, more resistant to chips and cracks than stoneware or ceramic.
More specifically, porcelain clay is mixed with kaolin, sand, feldspar and other materials such as bone ash, granite, glass, alabaster, jade, etc. . Depending on the variety.
The different porcelains
The types of porcelain are varied with characteristics specific to their manufacture. Overall, all types came into existence during the 18th century.
Soft porcelain was born in France in the 18th century, composed of kaolin, feldspar and chalk, subjected to a slightly lower temperature than the previous one, therefore less translucent and also less hard. We have the example of Limoge porcelain, known however for its shine, its finesse and its whiteness. Sèvre porcelain known for its painting quality.
Delft porcelain produced during the 17th century in the Netherlands, renowned for its blue and white patterns.
Since we are in Europe, let us cite English porcelain mainly decorated with floral motifs, often evoking British gardens.
Meissen porcelain, a hard porcelain made in Germany, also renowned for its whiteness, finesse and translucence.
The hard porcelain that was developed in China is composed of kaolin, feldspar and quartz, fired at very high temperatures. Bright, hard and translucent result. We note the porcelain of Jingdezhen for over 1000 years, still relevant for its brilliance and finesse. Porcelain from the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), characterized by its carved relief motifs. And then the one descending from the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), thin, translucent.
In Japan, porcelain had its beginnings in the 17th century, it is recognized by its fine and delicately colored patterns.
We see that Asia remains the ancestral reference for porcelain.
What about bone china?
It is a type of porcelain which was developed by an English ceramist between 1789 and 1793. This porcelain contains a large proportion of calcined bone ash, it can vary from 25% to 30% for high-end products. . It is noted for its finesse and its exceptional translucency, its hardness, with all relativity retained of course.
And then, here is the new China Bone, this is none other than Bona China marketed under this name to promote a high quality material for refined tableware, it is then that the proportions of bone ash vary from one manufacturer to another.
The advantages of porcelain
Beautiful whiteness more or less intense depending on the quality, greater translucency, durability, resistance and hardness. More resistant to thermal and physical shock. Less porous, it does not absorb odors and stains.
Why porcelain?
Overall, all porcelain, whatever their differences, are lighter, their edges are thinner than ceramic, more translucent although to different degrees. Which makes it a popular choice in our societies, because it is aesthetically pleasing while being solid and durable. Nowadays, we no longer hesitate to treat ourselves to porcelain that will enhance our homes and our daily lives, something unthinkable in the past, it was reserved for the most well-off. We could even say more: porcelain is used in hostels for all its qualities mentioned above. It is also used in non-stick coatings in Dutch ovens, cast iron cooktops, and other cookware, making it chemical-free.
China remains the most experienced producer of porcelain, it has centuries of practice behind it, a craft still alive despite high throughput, due to popular demand, this of course results in lower costs.