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How an Imprisoned Alchemist Found the Secret of ‘White Gold’: Pure Porcelain

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How an Imprisoned Alchemist Found the Secret of ‘White Gold’: Pure Porcelain
Pair of pug dog figurines, circa 1750, by Meissen Manufactory, Saxony, Germany; and Paris, France. Hard-paste porcelain and gilt bronze; 11 5/8 inches tall. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Lorraine Ferrier
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Chinese artisans had already been making porcelain for thousands of years when Venetian merchant Marco Polo first brought porcelain from China to Europe in the 14th century. Polo’s discovery started Europe’s enduring love of porcelain.

Ice cup from the Cameo Service, circa 1779, by Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, Sèvres, France. Soft-paste porcelain; 3 1/2 inches tall. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. (Edward Owen/Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens)
Ice cup from the Cameo Service, circa 1779, by Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, Sèvres, France. Soft-paste porcelain; 3 1/2 inches tall. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens. Edward Owen/Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Lorraine Ferrier
Lorraine Ferrier
Author
Lorraine Ferrier writes about fine arts and craftsmanship for The Epoch Times. She focuses on artists and artisans, primarily in North America and Europe, who imbue their works with beauty and traditional values. She's especially interested in giving a voice to the rare and lesser-known arts and crafts, in the hope that we can preserve our traditional art heritage. She lives and writes in a London suburb, in England.
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