1.24.2012

ABC Wednesday ~ B~ is for . . .

 ~ Bone China ~

First let me say that I am dish-aholic ... yes ... it is sad, but very true. Over Christmas I pulled out some 8in., purple, glass plates that I bought several years ago. My husband commented that he thought he knew of every dish in our home. Why burst his bubble?

Anyway, I will say ... I do not have any fancy china place settings. I did not "register" a china pattern when we got married. Most of the dishes I have would probably be considered "pottery", not china.

However, I do have "bone china" and I'm sure most of you do too.  I have a few plates, but most of my "bone china" is in the form of TEA CUPS, which I collect.



What exactly is "Bone China"?  It is a soft-paste porcelain that is made of bone ash, feldspathic material, and kaolin (laymen's terms, soft rock minerals). Bone China has at least 30% bone ash, which is derived from animal (usually cattle) bone. It is know for it's whiteness, translucency, and despite it's fragile appearance,  strength and chip resistance.


Generally, Bone China is registered and it's trademark and pattern can be found under each piece. Over time these can become difficult to read. An easy way to see if it is an authentic piece, hold the piece up to a light. Place your hand behind it. You should be able to see your fingers through it.


Thanks to Mrs. Nesbitt and her team for this wonderful meme.
To find more post on the letter "B".
check out ABC WEDNESDAY


9 comments:

Leslie: said...

So beautiful! I have a few bone china tea cups that I've saved from when I was married, but styles change. I was so upset when my daughter registered for that new pottery look dinnerware when she got married. I love that plate at the end!

Leslie
abcw team

Roger Owen Green said...

I love the design; my wife would likely covet it.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Chubskulit Rose said...

Wow those are gorgeous!

Rose, ABC Wednesday Team

Anonymous said...

I am not gonna show this post to my wife. You might find some missing ....


Pheno, ABCW Team

photowannabe said...

I have quite a few china tea cups from my Mother in law. I treasure them. I wish they weren't such dust collectors though.
Yours are just beautiful.

Kay L. Davies said...

I used to collect tea cups when I was younger. The first time I got married, one of my aunts had a cup-and-saucer shower for me. I have no idea where they've all gone, but they seem to have been replaced by coffee mugs!
K

Luna Miranda said...

they're beautiful. bone china seems delicate i sometimes wonder if they're safe to use everyday.:p

meryl said...

I LOVED this post! While I don't collect china, one of my favorite haunts is a place called "Alice's Tea Cup" they serve all kinds of teas, scones, some salads, and sandwiches and they have an eclectic collection of tea cups and saucers. Your post reminds me of them. If you're ever in NYC you have to check it out!

Wanda said...

My mother started my collection, when she passed away and left me her hutch and tea cups and tea pots...over the years I've added many and also am a dishaholic.

I didn't register for china when I got married either (50 years ago) but loved the Franciscan Pottery.
I also love linens.

Thanks for sharing you beautiful bone china.