TL;DR: To choose the best porcelain, prioritize bone china or high-fired hard-paste porcelain with a translucency test and a smooth, unblemished glaze. Always check the backstamp for maker, origin, and dishwasher or microwave safety before buying.
Step 1: Know the Three Porcelain Types
Hard-paste porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, making it durable and chip-resistant. Soft-paste porcelain is more delicate and often used for decorative pieces. Bone china contains bone ash, giving it a creamy white color and exceptional translucency. For everyday use, choose hard-paste or bone china; for display, soft-paste is acceptable.
If you want to dig deeper, check out our guide on Porcelain Buying Guide: 5 Tips for Quality.
Step 2: Test Translucency and Ring
Hold the piece up to a light source. Quality porcelain should glow softly, showing the shadow of your fingers through the body. Then tap the rim gently with a fingernail. A clear, bell-like ring indicates a high-fired, intact piece. A dull thud suggests a crack or low-quality material.
Step 3: Inspect the Glaze and Surface
Run your fingers over the entire surface. The glaze must be smooth, even, and free of pinholes, bumps, or rough patches. Check the rim and foot for chips or crawling glaze. Hold the piece at eye level against a light to spot hairline cracks or discoloration.
Step 4: Check the Backstamp
Turn the piece over. A reputable backstamp includes the maker’s name, country of origin, and often a pattern number. Avoid unmarked porcelain unless you are buying purely for aesthetics. Look for terms like “bone china,” “porcelain,” or “fine china” to confirm material.
Step 5: Verify Practical Use
If you plan to use the porcelain daily, confirm it is dishwasher and microwave safe. Metallic trim, gold rims, and hand-painted details usually require hand washing. For oven use, check the manufacturer’s temperature limits. Weight matters too: heavier pieces resist tipping, while very light ones feel fragile.
FAQ
Q: Is bone china better than porcelain?
A: Bone china is a type of porcelain with bone ash, making it more translucent and slightly softer, but high-quality hard-paste porcelain is equally durable for daily use.
Q: How can I tell real porcelain from ceramic?
A: Real porcelain is translucent when held to light and rings clearly when tapped; ceramic is opaque, heavier, and gives a dull sound.
Q: Should I buy a full set or open stock?
A: Buy open stock if you want to replace pieces or mix patterns; full sets cost less per piece but lock you into one design.
Leave a Reply