So I just finished binge-watching (again!) the last season of Downton Abbey, and every time I do, I have this craving for English afternoon tea with those fancy 3-tiered stands full of delicious goodies. I'm always so awed by the mini sandwiches and desserts, but it turns out, the teacup sets used to serve the tea are just as, if not more important, than the food itself.
Bone china is practically synonymous with English afternoon tea. Apparently the most famous and best selling pattern of bone china in the world is Old Country Roses, made by the English tableware manufacturer, Royal Albert. So what exactly is bone china, and how is it different from the other types of ceramics available on the market? Let's find out!
1. What's the difference between ceramic, porcelain, and bone china?
Credit: Manki Kim
Generally speaking, ceramics are any of the various hard, brittle, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant materials made by shaping and then firing an inorganic, nonmetallic material, such as clay, at high temperatures. Porcelain is simply a specialized type of ceramic. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic because it's denser and harder, but it comes at a higher cost.
In turn, bone china is a type of porcelain, and in the UK, references to "china" or "porcelain" is understood to be a reference to bone china.
2. Bone china does indeed contain animal bone
Credit: JillWellington
Bone china, or fine bone china, is a type of ceramic that includes animal bone ash as one of its key raw materials. The traditional formula for bone china was about 25% kaolin (a type of clay material), 25% Cornish stone (a type of granite), and 50% bone ash (traditionally made from cattle bones that have a lower iron content). It was first developed in London in the 18th century and has continued to be regarded as a luxury item, prized for its translucency, that comes with a high price tag.
3. New bone china is a vegan-friendly option
Credit: Joanna Kosinska
In response to a demand for a cheaper and vegan version of bone china, researchers have developed what became known as new bone china. Despite the similarity in name, new bone china doesn't contain any animal products and is a 100% vegan option. Instead of animal bone ash, calcium oxide is used as the replacement raw material. The result is a product that has a very similar appearance as fine bone china, but without the translucency.
4. What's the difference between high-fired and low-fired ceramics?
Credit: Anne Nygård
As their names suggest, high-fired ceramics are fired at higher temperatures around 2,012 °F to 2,336 °F, while low-fired ceramics are fired at a lower temperature range of between 1,940 °F and 2,109 °F. But there are also significant differences in the materials used and the intended end products.
Low-fired ceramics use earthenware clay, which tend to have a more delicate texture and porous surface. As a result, the clays are usually easier to work with and have minimal shrinking. Although ideal for hand building, slab structures, and sculptures, they're also suitable for throwing on the wheel (can't help it – I always think of Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore!).
High-fired ceramics on the other hand, use stoneware or porcelain clay, and are strong, more durable and water-resistant, making them perfect for tableware, vases, and bathroom accessories. The clays are usually better for throwing on the wheel or otherwise shaped using molds.
5. What about glaze and underglaze?
Credit: Christy Moyer
Glaze and underglaze refers to the materials that are applied to the surface of ceramic products. The main difference between them is the timing of their application. An underglaze is used for decoration on the unglazed ceramic, creating unique and different detailed designs, while a clear glaze is then applied over it to help seal the piece and make it non-porous. Glaze, on the other hand, comes in different colors and finishes, including glossy and matte, and can be used on its own without an underglaze.
In both instances, once the glaze is applied, the ceramics are fired a second time in the kiln (the large oven that heats the clays), melting the oxides in the glaze. Once cooled, a solid, hard protective layer is formed on the final products, making them watertight and non-porous.
I tried wheel throwing once at a local studio. Really fun, but my attempts to make a ramen bowl were disastrous and I ended up making a food dish for my cat, Juneau (who BTW, is the Chief Feline of ModernTurtle.com), because the sides kept on collapsing on me. Oh well, at least I can pretend I was Demi Moore for those 30 minutes!
