China and Dinnerware

China - actually Chinese porcelain - originated in China some time after 1600 BC. Like glass, its evolution paralleled the development of the furnaces of the day. But unlike glass it did not begin its life inside the furnace. It began in the potter's workshop as a clay lump. The clay itself was a a combination of "Kaolin" and water but may also have included other materials depending on the desired outcome. The artisan's skill was required to form the object with special attention to the clay's moisture content as it was worked. A finished piece was set aside to slowly lose the moisture gained in the initial mixing and working steps. The ceramic was then placed in a kiln (a step called "firing"). During firing, the components of the clay "vitrify" (bind together) to create a non-porous surface which is ideal for the desired use. Read more about it here.

One step below China (at least for our categorization) is a product called Dinnerware. Although it may be made of porcelain, it can also be earthenware, stoneware, bone china, glass or from other materials. It is the everydayware you use when eating at home. Less expensive (for certain) but not necessarily short on style, we looked for manufacturers that caught our eye.