What Is Bone China?

Although bone china was used in the 1700's, a new formula was introduced by Spode in the early nineteenth century. It incorporated china clay, stone and lead glaze. Bone china's durability and its reasonable price (in comparison to 'true' porcelain) are the reasons that it caught on. It could viably compete with imported Oriental tableware.

In the 1800's, bone china provided a new vehicle for the 'blue-and-white' colour scheme. Spode brought the pattern to a much wider market, which cemented its popularity. W.T. Copeland acquired Spode in 1833, and the tableware began to be printed with both company names. Other early producers of bone china were Worcester and Mason's Patent Ironstone china. The latter went out of business in 1848.

Today, bone china is the basis for most English tableware. It is valued for its brilliant white sheen and strength. A lot of people think that using a bone china cup is the best way to drink tea.

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