Your European Fine China Tea Set Actually Came From China?

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.

Eventually Chinese tea sets were brought to Europe, and almost immediately their popularity took off like wildfire. Craftsmen in Europe tried to copy the china tea sets to satisfy demand. As the tea sets became more and more popular, a solution had to be found.

In the beginning, European kilns produced almost nothing that could compete with the Chinese tea sets. Artisans just couldn’t figure out the process. What’s more, there didnt seem to be any of the right clay anywhere. The formula was confusing, and the firing techniques were just beyond their skill level.

The mystery lingered until an 18th century alchemist tried his hand. In Meissen, Germany, 19-year-old Johann Friedrich Bottger was trying to turn lead into gold for king of Poland. Of course Bottger failed, which landed him in prison. There, his interests shifted from producing gold to producing porcelain.

Supported by a local Duke, this young boy found the material he needed to produce pure white porcelain. It was found on the highest of mountains, and the duke was able to give him a healthy supply.

It wasn’t long before the young alchemist got the formula just right. He jumped with joy and showed his creations to the Duke who had helped him. They then built a massive kiln that was almost exactly like those found in China.

For a while, only tiny items like porcelain tiles and other small trinkets came out of their kiln. It was all they could do, but they were still the best items available in Europe.

Around the same time of Johann’s tests, Pere d’Entrecolles, a Jesuit priest, made his way to Chinas Jingdezhen. This is where the worlds most amazing china tea sets were made. After some time studying, he published two books detailing the process of making Jingdezhen porcelain. Before long, factories making porcelain were set up across Europe.

Some say this would be a crime nowadays, but he got away with it!