All about Czech porcelain

Czech porcelain is deservedly known all over the world, and is especially loved by the people of Russia. However, in order not to get a fake at the time of purchase, it is important to understand the features of such dishes and know who produces it.

The history of Czech porcelain begins at the end of the 18th century, or rather, in the 90s of the century. The first sample of Czechoslovak porcelain was presented near Karlovy Vary, where a deposit of kaolin or white clay was discovered shortly before. Since the main raw materials required for the production of porcelain turned out to be of high quality, the region quickly became the main center for the production of this type of tableware in the Czech Republic. Moreover, the Czech clay itself began to be transported to other countries involved in the production of porcelain.

Since at that time this territory was under the control of the Germans, it is not surprising that the manufacturing technology was also German. Besides, most of the factories responsible for the production of Czech porcelain were owned by German industrialists... Nevertheless, the cost of Czech crockery was still lower, being on the same quality level as English or German porcelain. In fact, the secret of the popularity of Czech porcelain lies in the combination of the advantages of both countries. On the part of the Czech Republic, it was a high-quality and reliable source material, and on the part of Germany - a time-tested recipe for making dishes, the experience of craftsmen and mastery of the technique of exquisite painting.

Crockery from the Czech Republic has a number of significant advantages, which explains its popularity all over the world.The products are highly durable, and during operation you should not worry about chips - they are unlikely to appear. High-quality glaze is not afraid of radiation from microwave ovens, allows you to wash products in a dishwasher, as well as use them at high temperatures. Exposure to cutlery does not stain the surface of the plates, which is also a plus. Although the price of Czech porcelain cannot be called low, it is significantly lower than in the case of German or English specimens.

The downside is the design, which not every customer likes. Some rudeness and monotonous plots often become the disadvantages of this type of dish. The price of Czech porcelain, rather, refers to the middle segment. For example, a Leander brand cake spatula can be purchased for a thousand rubles, and a table set for six people from the same company will cost approximately 23 thousand rubles.

Czech porcelain is most often purchased in the form of tea sets or dinner sets that combine the maximum number of items, and not just plates and mugs with cups. For example, a tea set for 6 people can consist of 15 items, including a teapot, sugar bowl, milk jug and a set of saucers and cups. A typical 6-person table set consists of 24 items. In this case, there are six different plates: deep, shallow and dessert. In addition, the set includes an oval dish, a round dish, a pair of salad bowls, a salt shaker and a round gravy bowl on a stand. Among the unusual dishes related to Czech porcelain, mention should be made of a bread basket, a bowl for bones, an oil can, a set for spices, a container for butter, a lemongrass, napkin rings and many others.

Czech porcelain from different factories combines the use of the same common themes. For example, quite often a field flower is found on plates, or rather, variations of a plant element that resembles an onion. The flowers are most often colored in a traditional blue hue. No less popular are sets with biblical stories and sketches, inspired by the Renaissance in style. All of them are united under a single name "Madonna".

Pink porcelain is decorated with gilding and floral arrangements. However, more often tourists from all over the world bring home mugs and plates with Czech geese, decorated with blue bows and arranged in pairs.

The essence of the Czech porcelain manufacturing technology is that the mixture itself has a pleasant pinkish color. If you look at the fragments of the product, you can find a pink tint even from the inside. This, by the way, makes it possible to distinguish Czech porcelain from common English, German and French, which will be white at the breaks. European manufacturers give their products the color by further applying colored glaze. However, more often than not, Czech porcelain looks milky white.

Bohemian porcelain manufacturing companies are well known all over the world, as they have been operating for many years and are the guarantor of product quality. Klasterec-Thun plant, operating since 2009, is considered the largest in the Czech Republic. Manufacturing includes porcelain for home, restaurants and other food service establishments. Previously, the company operated under the Thun brand, which began operations in 1794. One of the most popular works of that time was porcelain "Tuna" service, created for the Vienna Imperial Court.

Other notable Thun creations include sets "Nicole", "Clea", "Constance" and "Opal"... Currently, the manufacturer is increasingly modifying the classic design in favor of modern trends, for example, adding avant-garde notes.Special children's sets are also popular.

Leander porcelain was first made in 1907, in Karlovy Vary. At the end of World War II, the company was taken under the patronage of the state, and the plant's dishes began to be exhibited at international fairs. The company currently produces several lines of tableware: for general use, for hotels and restaurants, as well as luxury items decorated with hand-painting. The most popular sets of this brand include Windsor, Sonata, Sabina and Victoria. One of the most famous designs of Czech porcelain, the goose, is produced here.

Concordia Lesov Factory was founded in 1888. His main specialization was porcelain Bernadotte... A characteristic feature of the technology used are small bas-reliefs, very clear and accurate. Products are made in white or ivory. Bernadotte comes in a variety of flavors, from fruit slides to napkin holders and cake spatulas. Buyers can find boxes, ashtrays, and various details for home decoration.

Factory of the Haas Czjzek brand was founded in 1792, and therefore is considered one of the oldest. The company's products are a set of tableware decorated with stucco decorations. The most famous brand is considered service "Simona"... In addition to hand-painting, objects are decorated using acid engraving and other technologies. The dishes are of high quality and durability, the ability to wash them in the dishwasher and place them in the microwave without any problems. Finally, we cannot fail to mention the dishes. by Bohemia Porcelain - one of the oldest Czech companies.

When choosing porcelain made in Czechoslovakia, it is important to carefully consider and touch the selected product. Real porcelain is pleasant to touch, as it is completely smooth, without any dents or indentations. If you examine, for example, a cup using a bright light source, you will find that it is slightly translucent. On the reverse side of the dishes, you can always find a kind of stamp - a circle left after firing. Sometimes next to it there are several points left over from the needles on which the dishes were hung.

In a standing state, the dishes do not swing, but manifests themselves steadily. In the event that a porcelain product is a product of a certain factory, the emblem of the latter appears to be applied under the glaze, and on each product without exception. Other drawings are drawn very neatly and evenly, without any chips. In general, it is worth remembering that real Czech porcelain is not very cheap, but its counterfeits with a lower price are abundant.

It is not recommended to wash Czech porcelain with ordinary dishwashing detergents, since in most cases coarse abrasive particles negatively affect the surface condition - it becomes covered with cracks and loses its original color. It is much more correct to use baby soap and slightly warmed water in a separate container. The condition of the dishes will be adversely affected by both the pressure water coming from the flowing tap and the soaking of individual specimens.

After completing washing, cups and plates should be wiped off immediately with a soft cloth or rag to avoid streaks.

You can find out how Czech porcelain is made by watching the video below.