Hobbies And Interests
Chinese and Japanese Porcelain
The Chinese perfected the production of hard paste porcelain in the 9th century A.D. Hard paste porcelain only began to be mastered in Europe in the early 18th century. Chinese artisans created some of the most exquisite porcelain ever made, like eggshell porcelain bowls and vases from the 18th century -- the porcelain is called eggshell because it is so fine you can see light through it. Other exquisite works are dishes and bowls from the Ch'ien Lung era (1736-1795), bowls and figurines from the Ming Dynasty and examples of Chinese export porcelain. Japanese porcelains are as beautiful as the Chinese and more delicate looking. Noritake's plates, cups, saucers, sugar bowls and other tableware are not only gorgeous, but good for everyday use. Satsuma and Hirado (Mikawachi) style vases, jars and teapots, many not only decorated with flowers and birds but embellished with gilt, are collector items. Kutani porcelain bowls, dishes and tea sets, glazed and painted with bold colors, are also impressive.
Lladró and Herend
The Spanish company Lladró's dreamy, somewhat mannerist porcelain figures are lovely and glossy and depict everything from mothers and children, animals, Christmas, angels, the Chinese zodiac and ballerinas. The exact formula for their porcelain is a secret. Herend is a Hungarian company noted both for its tableware and its figurines. The figurines especially have a famous fishnet decoration, which was inspired when, in 1858, a Herend painter saw a Chinese plate with a fishscale design on it, and started to copy it. Some of the figurines have small, gilded accents as well.
Sevres
Sevres porcelain of France has been in business since 1756 and is still in operation despite many setbacks and takeovers. The plates, urns, covered bowls, teapots and other items are breathtakingly elegant, so much so that items from Sevres began to be called "jeweled Sevres."
Villeroy &Boch and Lenox
Germany's Villeroy &Boch also makes very fine porcelain and other housewares. Some of their products are traditional, like flowered teacups with scalloped edges. Other pieces are more modern, with a more streamlined shape and pastel colors. Lenox, an American company, is famous for the dinner services made for the White House. Dinnerware made for more ordinary folk comes in all manner of delicious patterns, including Dandy Lane, Wisteria and Iced Pirouette. Lenox also makes figurines, including Disney figurines, and its more casual dinnerware is affordable. They also make gifts for special occasions like graduation, birthdays and new babies.