Bone & Fine China
With its delicate appearance and sturdy structure, fine china is an excellent addition to tables where elegance and durability are needed, making china dinnerware ideal for upscale establishments.
The bright white and variety of shapes in the Syracuse Reflections China line makes it versatile enough to fit into almost any dinner service.
The square dimensions of CAC Kingsquare china create a formal presentation that's easy to work into any fine dining decor.
Many of the unique pieces in the Syracuse China Slenda collection feature asymmetrical styling and bold shapes, making this set a conversation starter.
The contemporary contours of Syracuse China silk dinnerware make it a fine choice for eateries that want to set themselves apart.
CAC Sheer china is made in an ultra-contemporary rimless design that's perfect for showcasing cutting-edge haute cuisine.
Shop KaTom's selection of Syracuse Chef's Selection china, which includes bakeware that can go straight to the table such as casserole and pot pie dishes.
The gentle curving design impressed into Syracuse Elan China brings the line of porcelain china together across plates, bowls, and cups.
Syracuse Repetition china is made out of bright Aluma White porcelain and features a pattern of smooth, concentric circles around the rim of each piece.
Syracuse China Café Royal dinnerware features subtle accents on a Syralite body, making them suitable for a refined dinner service.
Bone China: What You Need to Know
While many people assume that china and porcelain are different materials, this couldn't be further from the truth. Both bone china and fine china are the same as porcelain. China dinnerware gets its name from China, its country of origin. What you call the material is dependent on where you are in the world. If you're in the United States, you likely call it "china", but if you're in Europe, you probably refer to it as "porcelain." We'll answer the most commonly asked questions regarding fine and bone china below.
Common Questions About Fine China
What is china?
China is made using a combination of clay, quartz, feldspar, and kaolin, and more ingredients may be added to create bone china. Once the materials have been mixed together, the mixture is shaped into a dinnerware piece, and after being molded, the ware is exposed to high heat for long periods of time in a series of firings. During the firings, the piece is vitrified, creating a glasslike structure that has been strengthened and is impervious to water and bacterial growth. China dinnerware typically is found in fine dining and high-end establishments. There are two types of china dinnerware available: fine china and bone china.
What is the difference between bone and fine china?
Contrary to popular belief, bone china isn't stronger than fine china. The major difference between fine china and bone china is the addition of another ingredient to bone china, which is cow bones. These bones are ground into ash, which is then mixed into the ceramic, giving the dinnerware a creamy, soft white look. Fine china doesn't include bone ash, so it has a bright white appearance.
Another way you can tell the difference between fine china and bone china is by holding the dinnerware up to a light. Bone china has some translucency, so you should be able to see more light coming through than if you were holding up fine china. Bone china tends to be more expensive – the price difference is due to the addition of the bone ash.
What can be made from china?
You can mold china into most dinnerware types, such as plates and cups, or servingware styles, such as platters and sauce boats. Fine and bone china usually feature as upscale dinnerware. Specialty bowls, such as rimmed soup bowls and pasta bowls, are available in both fine and bone china. China can be formed into simple coffee mugs or more complex cups, such as low tea cups. Serving items also can be constructed of bone or fine china. China tea pots with lids are available if you're looking for a more traditional look for a tea party. China sauce boats, salt and pepper shakers, and sugar holders also add class to any table setting.