When Did Europe Start Making Fine China Tea Sets?
Chinese inventions were heralded throughout antiquity, and for good reason. A number of things from China, such as the compass, were adopted and used by people all over the world. But one invention in particular, porcelain Chinese tea sets, is widely regarded as the best item to come out of this country.
Eventually Chinese tea sets were brought to Europe, and almost immediately their popularity took off like wildfire. Craftsmen in Europe tried to copy the china tea sets to satisfy demand. As the tea sets became more and more popular, a solution had to be found.
In the beginning, European kilns produced almost nothing that could compete with the Chinese tea sets. Artisans just couldn't figure out the process. What's more, there didnt seem to be any of the right clay anywhere. The formula was confusing, and the firing techniques were just beyond their skill level.
The mystery lingered until an 18th century alchemist tried his hand. In Meissen, Germany, 19-year-old Johann Friedrich Bottger was trying to turn lead into gold for king of Poland. Of course Bottger failed, which landed him in prison. There, his interests shifted from producing gold to producing porcelain.
It was with the support of a local leader who was simple obsessed with porcelain that Johann was able to get a hold of the clay he needed to produce truly great items. Now he had the materials, the only question was the technique.
Eventually, Johann figured it out! After many failed attempts, he started mixing the proper materials together with the precious clay and produced his first porcelain item. He also constructed a kiln that could compete with those in China.
In the beginning, they only made tiles and other small items. It was a start, but they still had a long way to go before they could match the beauty of the Chinese tea sets.
Around the same time of Johann's tests, Pere d'Entrecolles, a Jesuit priest, made his way to Chinas Jingdezhen. This is where the worlds most amazing china tea sets were made. After some time studying, he published two books detailing the process of making Jingdezhen porcelain. Before long, factories making porcelain were set up across Europe.
Some say this would be a crime nowadays, but he got away with it! - 2361
Eventually Chinese tea sets were brought to Europe, and almost immediately their popularity took off like wildfire. Craftsmen in Europe tried to copy the china tea sets to satisfy demand. As the tea sets became more and more popular, a solution had to be found.
In the beginning, European kilns produced almost nothing that could compete with the Chinese tea sets. Artisans just couldn't figure out the process. What's more, there didnt seem to be any of the right clay anywhere. The formula was confusing, and the firing techniques were just beyond their skill level.
The mystery lingered until an 18th century alchemist tried his hand. In Meissen, Germany, 19-year-old Johann Friedrich Bottger was trying to turn lead into gold for king of Poland. Of course Bottger failed, which landed him in prison. There, his interests shifted from producing gold to producing porcelain.
It was with the support of a local leader who was simple obsessed with porcelain that Johann was able to get a hold of the clay he needed to produce truly great items. Now he had the materials, the only question was the technique.
Eventually, Johann figured it out! After many failed attempts, he started mixing the proper materials together with the precious clay and produced his first porcelain item. He also constructed a kiln that could compete with those in China.
In the beginning, they only made tiles and other small items. It was a start, but they still had a long way to go before they could match the beauty of the Chinese tea sets.
Around the same time of Johann's tests, Pere d'Entrecolles, a Jesuit priest, made his way to Chinas Jingdezhen. This is where the worlds most amazing china tea sets were made. After some time studying, he published two books detailing the process of making Jingdezhen porcelain. Before long, factories making porcelain were set up across Europe.
Some say this would be a crime nowadays, but he got away with it! - 2361
About the Author:
Author D. Cheng has written about Chinese history and handicrafts such as bone china tea sets for ages. Sometimes, he endorses skilled Chinese craftsmen. Look at some beautiful China tea sets.
posted by Marcondes Allen at 1:40 AM
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