Wedgwood teapot, plates, cups and saucers - Fine Bone China
Can you tell the difference between Fine China and Bone China? The answer is yes. Whisper-thin and considerably delicate is how we would describe these two pieces of China. They instantly transform a dull table into a beautiful and elegant landscape. These days, China doesn’t quite seem to hold that special place in our homes as it once did. Despite that, there are still a few of us who appreciate it.
Aesthetics aside, the topic in question is one of the most common among tableware collectors and homemakers. There is confusion and usually, it originates from the fact that they look very similar to each other. On top of that confusion, a lot of people tend to prefer Bone China over Fine China because they believe it is much stronger and more chip-resistant just because it has bone material in it.
Bone China Does Not Mean Stronger China
If you had plans to get Bone China based on that preconceived notion, we advise you to scratch that idea because it really doesn’t matter. What matters is what they are made of. Bone China, true to its name, is made from finely ground cow bone ash mixed with other ceramic materials. Fine China has a similar manufacturing process, only without the bone content.
The highest quality Bone China should contain at least 30% bone ash as with cow bone ash content in Noritake pieces. At the moment, the industry doesn’t have a minimum cow bone content to define a high-quality one. But Noritake believes that 30% should be the standard content amount in any Bone China.
Royal Albert teapot, cake stand, plates, teacups and saucers- Bone China
You may have noticed that Bone China tends to be far more expensive than Fine China. This is due to the cow bone ash material. However, the material wasn’t intended to make the China stronger or chip-resistant. It is because the cow bone ash creates unique shades of colour and hues.
This isn’t to say that Bone China is not tough. It is. In fact, Bone China is stronger than it appears to be. But, it is wise to keep in mind that it is not indestructible, nor is it considered unbreakable.
Making Out the Aesthetic Differences
At first glance, it is a tad bit difficult to tell the difference. But once you know what to look for, it is rather easy to tell them apart. Let’s take a look at tableware pieces from Noritake.
Marc Newson is made from quality Bone China. Often, Bone China has a softer, creamier colour compared to Fine China, (sometimes known as Fine Porcelain). You will notice that Fine China is a brighter white.
Place the two side by side, and you'll find Marc Newson is innately translucent with beautiful warm tones. You can see a significant difference when you put them under a light. Bone China lets more light in, and as it passes through, your Bone China will seem transparent compared to its Fine China counterpart.
Think shadow puppet show where you see figurines behind the white screen and light illuminating through the China. In this case, your Bone China is the white screen, and your hands (if you are holding it) is the figurine. A simple way to verify Bone China’s authenticity.
Maxwell & WilliamsDinner Set - Bone China
Shape, Weight and Sound
Weight: Generally, when you compare the weight between Fine China and Bone China, Fine China is typically slightly heavier than Bone China.
Shape: Due to technological and raw material differences, Bone China has a much thinner makeup and is considerably smoother than Fine China.
Sound: You can tell the difference if you hear two Fine China pieces colliding together. You will hear a heavy thick sound “ding” (with no echo). But if you put two Bone China pieces together, you’ll hear a bell ringing type sound “clang” (with echo).
Wedgwood Arris Teapot 1L White - Bone China
Buying Fine or Bone China is a Matter of Preference
Aesthetically, both types of China bring about a classy feel to your table setting. To a certain extent, they symbolise luxury and high-end elegance. So if you want to dress your table to impress, Fine and Bone China is a great way to do just that.
If you see table pieces on Everten you are keen on but are unsure about which ones you should buy, get in touch with us so we can help you identify the right pattern, design and colours.
Our range of teacups, saucers, plates, teapots and dinnerware pieces includes both Fine China and Bone China, which are made with the best quality in mind. Recommended brands for both types would be pieces by Noritake, Wedgwood, Maxwell & Williams, Salt & Pepper, Royal Doulton and Robert Gordon.
Noritake Hampshire Gold 20pc Dinner Set - Fine China
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Next Read:Tips to Choose the Best Dinner Sets for Your Table
As a seasoned enthusiast in the realm of fine and bone china, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricacies of these exquisite tableware pieces. My passion extends beyond mere appreciation; it involves a deep understanding of the manufacturing processes, materials, and aesthetic nuances that distinguish these items.
Let's delve into the core concepts explored in the provided article:
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Fine China vs. Bone China: Material Composition The article emphasizes that the key distinction between Fine China and Bone China lies in their material composition. Bone China is crafted from finely ground cow bone ash mixed with other ceramic materials, imparting unique shades of color and hues. On the other hand, Fine China undergoes a similar manufacturing process but lacks the bone content.
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Bone China Strength and Misconceptions Contrary to a common misconception, the presence of bone material in Bone China doesn't necessarily make it stronger or more chip-resistant. The article cautions against choosing Bone China solely based on the assumption of increased durability, stressing that the quality of the material matters more than the mere inclusion of bone ash.
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Cow Bone Ash Content in High-Quality Bone China The article highlights that high-quality Bone China, such as that from Noritake, should ideally contain at least 30% bone ash. While the industry lacks a standardized minimum cow bone content, Noritake advocates for 30% as the standard for superior Bone China.
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Cost Disparity and Aesthetic Appeal Bone China is acknowledged to be more expensive than Fine China, primarily due to the cow bone ash material. However, the higher cost is attributed to the unique shades and hues created by the bone ash rather than any substantial increase in strength. Aesthetic differences, such as the creamier color of Bone China compared to the brighter white of Fine China, are explored.
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Aesthetic Differences in Noritake Tableware The article uses Noritake tableware, such as the Marc Newson collection, to illustrate aesthetic disparities between Bone China and Fine China. Bone China is described as having a softer, creamier color and being inherently translucent with warm tones. When compared under light, Bone China appears more transparent than its Fine China counterpart.
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Physical Characteristics: Weight, Shape, and Sound Physical attributes become key identifiers. Fine China is noted to be slightly heavier than Bone China. Due to technological and raw material differences, Bone China has a thinner makeup and is smoother. The article also introduces the auditory aspect—Fine China produces a heavy, thick sound upon collision, while Bone China produces a bell-like ringing sound with an echo.
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Brand Recommendations The article suggests reputable brands for both Fine and Bone China, including Noritake, Wedgwood, Maxwell & Williams, Salt & Pepper, Royal Doulton, and Robert Gordon.
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Buying Considerations: Matter of Preference The decision to opt for Fine or Bone China is portrayed as a matter of personal preference. Both types are lauded for bringing a classy and luxurious feel to table settings, symbolizing high-end elegance.
In conclusion, my expertise affirms the comprehensive insights provided in the article, serving as a guide for those seeking to navigate the world of fine and bone china with discernment and appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.
