Porcelain Bowl
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US $30.00
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.
About the Author
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, Japanese to Continental items.
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Porcelain Bowl with Base $251 Porcelain Bowl with Base |
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Armorial 14 Inch Porcelain Bowl with Base $275 Armorial 14 Inch Porcelain Bowl with Base |
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Porcelain Tobacco Leaf Bowl $79.99 This round porcelain bowl features a tobacco leaf design. This design makes a great addition to any home. Color: Multi Materials: PorcelainDimensions: 10 inches high x 18 inches long x 18 inches wide |
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Porcelain Red and Gold Bowl $80.99 This round porcelain bowl features red and gold scrolling design. This piece makes a great addition to any home. |
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Porcelain Blue and Gold Bowl $84.99 This round porcelain bowl features blue and gold scrolling design. This piece makes a great addition to any home. Color: Blue, goldMaterials: PorcelainDimensions: 12 inches high x 14 inches long x 14 inches wide |
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16-Inch Round White Porcelain Serving Bowl $137 -Material: Porcelain |
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Porcelain Bowl by Ferm Living $25 Porcelain Bowl by Ferm Living A stylish part of a dinner set (shown in second photo) for the entire family – whether you crave an espresso, need a bowl for grapes or want to set an amazing looking table for dinner. The combination of strong, graphic shapes creates a fun and playful design that allows you to mix and match patterns and colours any way you want. It’s stackable, it’s enjoyable and it is suitable for any table. The dinner set is made of 100% porcelain and you can put it in the dishwasher. Size: 5.1" x 1.5" in. Material: Porcelain |
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Still Life of Peaches and Grapes in a Chinese Porcelain Bowl $19.99 Still Life of Peaches and Grapes in a Chinese Porcelain Bowl - Giclee Print |
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Vincennes Porcelain Bowl and Stand, circa 1745 $49.99 Vincennes Porcelain Bowl and Stand, circa 1745 - Giclee Print |
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Porcelain Green Square Bowl $39.99 This square porcelain bowl stand features hues of green and gold. This sophisticated design makes a great addition to any home.Color: Green, goldMaterials: PorcelainDimensions: 6 inches high x 6 inches long x 6 inches wide |
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Artemis Garden Porcelain Bowl $52.99 This blue and gold porcelain bowl features an Italian prince on a horse in the garden playing with several dogs. The base is trimmed in luxurious gold that adds a superbly ornate touch. Colors: BlueMaterials: Chinese porcelainDimensions: 5 inches high x 9.5 inches in diameter |
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Porcelain White and Gold Square Bowl $38.99 This square porcelain bowl features hues of white and gold. This sophisticated design makes a great addition to any home. Color: White, goldMaterials: PorcelainDimensions: 4 inches high x 7 inches long x 7 inches wide |
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Porcelain Green Garland Floral Bowl $39.49 This round porcelain bowl features green garland floral design This piece makes a great addition to any home. Color: Green, whiteMaterials: PorcelainDimensions: 14 inches high x 14 inches long x 12 inches wide |