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.
After its was brought to Europe, Europeans feverishly tried to master this Chinese art. Chinese porcelain was famous for its rock-solid structure and unforgettable shine that had become a status symbol, collectors item, and a fixture on dinner tables across the world.
For many years, Western kilns produced almost nothing in the same league as China's tea sets. They had no idea how the Chinese did it. What's more, there didnt seem to be any of the pure white clay anywhere.
But then, a very young Chemist started trying to learn how to produce porcelain. Not even 20 years old, Johann Bottger was trying to turn lead into gold for a famous king. When he was unsuccessful, he was locked up. But while in prison, he started to study how to make porcelain.
With the support of porcelain-infatuated August the Strong, Johann found the right clay high in the Alps, and August gave him a constant supply.
With hard work and little bit of of luck, Johann discovered the right ratio of clay and other materials to make pure white porcelain. And he built a kiln that could reach temperatures that matched those of the Chinese kilns.
He made tiny test tiles that were the first porcelain items ever made in Europe. But that was all he could do.
Eventually the complete process of making true Chinese tea sets was solved by a Jesuit missionary. At almost same moment of Johann Bottger's tests, Pere d'Entrecolles, a Jesuit priest, made his way to Chinas Jingdezhen. This is where the worlds finest porcelain china tea sets were made. After almost a decade, he published two letters that detailed the process of making Jingdezhen porcelain. Before long, factories making porcelain were established across Europe.
This may have been one of the earliest acts of industrial espionage!
After its was brought to Europe, Europeans feverishly tried to master this Chinese art. Chinese porcelain was famous for its rock-solid structure and unforgettable shine that had become a status symbol, collectors item, and a fixture on dinner tables across the world.
For many years, Western kilns produced almost nothing in the same league as China's tea sets. They had no idea how the Chinese did it. What's more, there didnt seem to be any of the pure white clay anywhere.
But then, a very young Chemist started trying to learn how to produce porcelain. Not even 20 years old, Johann Bottger was trying to turn lead into gold for a famous king. When he was unsuccessful, he was locked up. But while in prison, he started to study how to make porcelain.
With the support of porcelain-infatuated August the Strong, Johann found the right clay high in the Alps, and August gave him a constant supply.
With hard work and little bit of of luck, Johann discovered the right ratio of clay and other materials to make pure white porcelain. And he built a kiln that could reach temperatures that matched those of the Chinese kilns.
He made tiny test tiles that were the first porcelain items ever made in Europe. But that was all he could do.
Eventually the complete process of making true Chinese tea sets was solved by a Jesuit missionary. At almost same moment of Johann Bottger's tests, Pere d'Entrecolles, a Jesuit priest, made his way to Chinas Jingdezhen. This is where the worlds finest porcelain china tea sets were made. After almost a decade, he published two letters that detailed the process of making Jingdezhen porcelain. Before long, factories making porcelain were established across Europe.
This may have been one of the earliest acts of industrial espionage!
About the Author:
Author D. Cheng has studied Chinese culture, calligraphy, and arts & crafts such as Chinese tea sets for years. Occasionally, he endorses skilled Chinese craftsmen. Check out some excellent China tea sets.
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