Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating raw materials, generally including clay in the form of kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures between 1,200 °C (2,192 °F) and 1,400 °C (2,552 °F). The toughness, strength, and translucence of porcelain arise mainly from the formation of glass and the mineral mullite within the fired body at these high temperatures.
Porcelain derives its present name from old Italian porcellana (cowrie shell) because of its resemblance to the translucent surface of the shell.

Porcelain can informally be referred to as “china” in some English-speaking countries, as China was the birth place of porcelain making. Properties associated with porcelain include low permeability and elasticity; considerable strength, hardness, glassiness,brittleness, whiteness, translucence, and resonance; and a high resistance to chemical attack and thermal shock.

Lesser ceramics are usually made of coarser clays and are often called “china” or “pottery” Porcelain and chinaware pieces may be glazed and decorated in a wide variety of colors.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            [Source: Wikipedia]

To view examples from our ETC. collection, please click on the following:  #C235 Qing Dynasty lidded container,  #C094 Italian white ceramic bowl with fruit,  #C245 Thai roof tile, and #C224 Japanese porcelain plate hand painted with catfish.   These are just a few one-of-a-kind designs we offer.

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