Many people confuse pottery and porcelain, assuming they use the same materials and that the names are interchangeable. However, the two differ. In this article, learn how to tell pottery and porcelain apart.

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Basic Ways to Distinguish Pottery from Porcelain

Here are some approaches to how to tell pottery and porcelain apart:

Porcelain is fired at a higher temperature than pottery. Pottery is fired at around 700–800°C, while porcelain can be fired at up to 1,300°C. Porcelain pieces may break, warp, crack or blister if fired at a higher temperature.

Pottery is made from coarser materials and fired without glaze, while porcelain is described here as glazed pottery. Pottery comes in many forms, including brown stoneware, earthenware, white stoneware and porous pottery. Its variety depends on the raw materials and how they are processed.

A Bat Trang ceramic vase

Another way to distinguish pottery from porcelain is to tap a piece with a metal rod or chopstick. Porcelain produces a clearer, longer-lasting ring than pottery.

Water can also help distinguish the two. Find an unglazed area and apply a little water. Porcelain remains smooth and does not absorb the water, while pottery gradually takes it in. This is a simple comparison method.

Their uses also differ. Pottery is often used for home decoration, such as large vases, ceramic pictures and tiles. Porcelain is commonly found in kitchens and on dining tables, including household items, tea sets and cups.

Bat Trang ceramics – a variety of shapes and glazes

If you are unsure how to tell pottery from porcelain, let BatTrang

Ceramic Shop help you.

Visit BatTrang Ceramic Shop for a world of artistry and attentive service from our enthusiastic team. If you have questions about how to tell pottery and porcelain apart, BatTrang Ceramic Shop can help. We also offer Bat Trang pottery classes for those who want to explore this traditional Vietnamese craft in greater depth.

Visit BatTrang Ceramic Shop to learn how to tell pottery and porcelain apart and much more.