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The Tea House Times
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This page is dedicated to articles and
information of particular interest to those who enjoy afternoon tea, Victoriana,
fine china, etc. Find here ideas and inspiration for tableware, parties,
etc.
Fine China
Reprinted by permission of
Patricia Roberts
Coffee Tea & Thee obtains all of their English bone china from the heart of
The Potteries, ensuring
you china of the highest quality, made by skilled craftsmen under the trademark
Royal Patrician. They also offer many lovely pieces in quality porcelain
china.
©2006 All rights reserved
 The various chinas labeled as bone china or porcelain china,
may be confusing, but understanding the properties of the clays used to make
fine china will quickly dispel any confusion.. The properties of clays include
plasticity, shrinkage under firing and under air drying, fineness of grain,
color after firing, hardness, cohesion, and capacity of the surface to take
decoration. The purest clays are the china clays or kaolins. “Ball clay” is a
name for a group of plastic, high temperature clays used with other clays to
improve their plasticity and to increase their strength.
 The finest china is bone china with its translucency and a
distinct chime unequaled by any other pottery. What sets bone china apart from
other tea ware is the addition of bone ash to the clay. If you hold a piece of
bone china up to light you should be able to see the light through the china.
China clay, is one of the purest of the clays. China clays have long been used
in the ceramic industry, especially in fine porcelains, because they can be
easily molded, have a fine texture, and are white when fired. Bone ash is the
ingredient that gives bone china its added translucency and whiteness over
porcelain.
The early ceramic industry was based in the Staffordshire England towns of
Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke-upon-Trent and Tunstall. These six towns
were amalgamated in 1910 to form a single entity - Stoke-on-Trent.
Stoke-on-Trent, at the center of the area now known as "The Potteries", has
maintained a leadership role in the ceramic industry, building upon the
traditions and skills established three centuries ago. The area known as "the
potteries" is often referred to as the birthplace of bone china.
Porcelain china is white, hard, permanent, non porous pottery
having translucence which is resonant when struck.
There are two main types of porcelain: soft paste and hard paste.
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Soft paste porcelain is more creamy in color and
contains more glass-like substances and remains somewhat porous. When
broken, it reveals a grainy base covered by the glassy layer of glaze.
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Hard paste porcelain is purer white in color, non porous
and when broken it is nearly impossible to distinguish the base from the
glaze on the outside.
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Porcelain is valued for it's
beauty and strength and is often called china or chinaware. The type of
porcelain used for tableware has a bell like ring to it when struck.
Caring For Your China
Care should be taken when handling china. Never place fine china in a dishwasher
as strong dishwashing soaps could damage the china over time.
Hand washing in hot water and mild detergent is the recommended course of
action. Wash in plastic containers or line your sink with a towel.
Rinse in cool water to which you add 1/4 cup of vinegar per gallon.
Air dry or dry with a lint free cloth.
For stain removal, try mixing hot water with baking soda, about 1/4 cup per
gallon. Fill the teapot or tea cups with mixture and let soak for an hour.
Follow with a regular hand washing as described above. If this does not produce
the results you want, combine a small amount of salt with lemon juice or
vinegar. Pour small amount into teapot or tea cup and gently scrub using your
fingers. Rinse in cool water to which you add 1/4 cup of vinegar per gallon. Air
dry or dry with a lint free cloth.
If your bone china has gold or
silver trim it should not be placed in a microwave.
Displaying Your China
Collection
 A collection can be anything from tea bag tags to complete
china tea sets.
Displaying your collection will not only protect it from damage but will make it
enjoyable for others to view. Making your collection a part of your decorating
theme adds personality to your home.
So if you have a collection, or
have started your collection, how do you display it?
Look first for the obvious possibilities; coffee tables, end tables, shelves,
sideboards and walls in living or dining areas. The less obvious areas might be,
over or along doorways or unused closets or cabinets. Grouping your collections
together gives them a more powerful presentation while a variety of shapes,
sizes and colors creates a strong focal point.
 China
cabinets offer the best protection and will showcase your fine china collection
beautifully. The lighting in the cabinet adds further enhancement, while being
enclosed exposes your china to less dust and grime. It may be the best way for
protecting an investment and is recommended when your collection includes pricey
antiques or precious family heirlooms. If you only have a few specially valued
pieces consider individual display cases of wood and glass or acrylic. As an
Internet search for display cases proves, the collectors market is full of
manufacturers of various display cases which you could adapt to your prized
teapot or tea cups.
Another cabinet idea is for
those that have more kitchen cabinets than they need for everyday storage. Glass
doors on a section of cabinets easily converts them into display cabinets for
your china collection. Lighting could also be added for greater "show off"
ability.
Here are some tips to spark your creative side when looking throughout your home
for display possibilities.
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Doilies of lace or fine crochet under your china
collectibles adds texture and completes the setting.
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A collection of plates or tea cups is a wonderful touch
over a doorway or a narrow section of wall.
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Fill a basket with cups and saucers and lace or
crocheted doilies or napkins.
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Light up your table with tea cups. Fill with water and
insert floating wick candles.
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Use other items with your collection such as a framed
photo of your grandmother with the china she gave you.
Unless a bedroom contains a
sitting area, it is best to display your china collection in the living, dining
and kitchen areas or your home. Most importantly, don't be afraid to use
your fine china, it is made to be enjoyed and then handed down to the next
generation. If you have never experienced tea or coffee from a fine china tea
cup or mug, you have missed a memorable experience.
Reprinted by permission of
Patricia Roberts
Coffee Tea & Thee obtains all of their English bone china from the heart of
The Potteries, ensuring
you china of the highest quality, made by skilled craftsmen under the trademark
Royal Patrician. They also offer many lovely pieces in quality porcelain
china.
©2006 All rights reserved
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