Porcelain Painting

Porcelain painting is the decoration of glazed objects, to include ornaments, vases, tea sets, soap dishes, figurines, and even switch plates. Throughout the process, embellished porcelain is fired in a kiln at several stages, depending on the specific technique being used. These can include applying glaze with a brush, stenciling, transfer or screen printing. Hard-paste porcelain ware was developed in China during the 7th century, and soft-paste porcelain ware (bone china) was developed in Europe during the 18th century. The Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese produced painted porcelain for trade in the Middle East during the 9th century. But it did not arrive in Europe until the 16th century. By the 18thcentury, France, Germany, and the UK were mass producing hand-painted china. Many famous artists started out as china painters. As early as the 19thcentury, china painting became a popular hobby for middle-class women and well-bred young ladies in both Europe and North America. William Faulkner even memorializes the tradition of china painting in the American South through his iconic short story “A Rose for Emily.”

Jan Hannon loves to paint china, porcelain and glass.  If you would like to learn this art, she would also enjoy teaching you.