
When choosing materials for sculptural work, bone china and hard-paste porcelain are two popular options, each with distinct characteristics. Bone china, made with bone ash, clay, and feldspar, is renowned for its translucency and delicate appearance. It fires at a lower temperature (around 1200°C) and is more prone to chipping, making it better suited for intricate, lightweight pieces. Hard-paste porcelain, composed of kaolin and petuntse, is denser and more durable, firing at higher temperatures (1300°C or above). Its strength and resistance to warping make it ideal for larger, more robust sculptures. Additionally, hard-paste porcelain retains sharper details, while bone china offers a warmer, creamier tone. Artists often select based on project requirements—bone china for elegance, hard-paste porcelain for durability.