How to choose high-quality porcelain

‌1. Visual Inspection‌

1. ‌Glaze and Luster‌
   • High-quality porcelain should have a smooth, flawless glaze with no pinholes, bubbles, or cracks. New porcelain tends to have a sharp, bright shine, while antique pieces exhibit a soft, muted luster. Rough or cracked glaze indicates fragility.
2. ‌Shape and Details‌
   • Check for symmetry and a flat base. Stack identically sized pieces to ensure uniform spacing. When placed upside-down on glass, the piece should sit firmly without wobbling. Patterns should be crisp and complete; gold/silver decorations must adhere firmly and resist fading when rubbed.
3. ‌Decoration Techniques‌
   • Prioritize ‌underglaze‌ or ‌in-glaze‌ decorations (e.g., blue-and-white porcelain), where pigments are sealed under transparent glaze, ensuring durability and low lead/cadmium release. Avoid釉上彩 (overglaze) tableware with painted interiors, especially when serving acidic foods.

‌2. Sound Test‌

Gently tap the rim. A clear, resonant sound indicates dense clay and proper firing. A dull or rough sound suggests hidden cracks or incomplete vitrification, making the piece prone to thermal shock cracks.

‌3. Material and Craftsmanship‌

1. ‌Clay Body‌
   • High-quality clay results in a thick, rounded body with smooth curves and a refined base. Machine-made porcelain often appears thin, stiff, and lacking depth.
2. ‌Glaze and Color‌
   • Glaze should appear jade-like and evenly colored. Hand-painted blue-and-white porcelain shows natural, dynamic hues, while machine-printed designs may feel textured under magnification.
3. ‌Painting Quality‌
   • Hand-painted designs are lively and expressive. Machine-printed patterns often reveal grid-like dots under a magnifier, common in low-cost mass-produced items.

‌4. Health and Safety‌

1. ‌Initial Use Preparation‌
   • Boil new porcelain in 4% vinegar water or soak in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove potential contaminants.
2. ‌Usage Precautions‌
   • Avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods/drinks to minimize lead leaching. Repaired porcelain (using lead-containing adhesives) should not be used for dining.

‌5. Functional Testing‌

• ‌Fit Tests‌: Lids should close tightly; multi-part items (e.g., teapots) must align seamlessly.
• ‌Performance Checks‌: Test water flow for teapots or公平杯 (tea pitchers), ensuring smooth pouring and no leaks.

‌Shopping Tips‌:

• For sets, ensure uniformity in shape and decoration. Blue-and-white porcelain should have consistent coloring.
• Buy from reputable sellers and verify compliance with lead/cadmium safety standards (lead ≤7mg/L, cadmium ≤0.5mg/L).