Abstract
How did European attempts to imitate the beauty of East Asian porcelain generate competitions to find marketable forms of whiteness? This essay describes the adoption of aluminum-rich kaolin clay for the making of “gallantry wares” for courtly elites—and then the process of seeking ever-cheaper substitutes as more and more consumers set their hearts on acquiring their own porcelain trinkets and tableware. It shows how, in the search for cost savings and aided especially by professional chemists, the porcelain industry helped to democratize whiteness and to reinforce its associations with cleanliness, purity, and timeless beauty.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
