The New Student's Reference Work/China-Ware

China-Ware, a species of fine porcelain, originally manufactured in China (whence its name). It is characterized by the fineness of its texture, transparency and beautiful color. It is made from two kinds of earth, known as petunse and kaolin, which are worked into a white paste, the kaolin enabling it to withstand great heat in the furnace; after this the article, cup, vase or whatever it may be, passes into the hands of the painters for decoration and delicate coloring, when it is then glazed or varnished, and once more submitted to the furnace to have the colors burned in and given their rich luster. China-ware has been manufactured more or less successfully in Europe. The finest imitations are those known as Sèvres, Dresden and Wedgwood or queensware. The French have turned out some beautiful china, which they call faïence fine, or Henri II ware; but the most artistic, probably, is Sèvres, manufactured in that town, in France, together with the Dresden ware manufactured in Saxony. The most notable English ware turned out has been that of Josiah Wedgwood, whose classical vases, ornamented by the sculptor Flaxman, attained great repute and command high prices. The Japanese have also reached great perfection in the manufacture of porcelain; the Hizen or “old Japan” ware being noted for its elegance and beauty of color.