Bone China Dinnerware is a traditional form of china historically seen in fine dinner services. Known for being translucent, bright white, and “bone hard”, this exceptional form of dinnerware was originally developed by English potter Josiah Spode 1797. True bone china will incorporate bone ash as 25%-50% of its makeup, and allows for the vibrant white color, relative strength, and transparency. Since the inception of this revolutionary dining material, makers worldwide have sought to offer visually pleasing designs for the consumer.
Lenox is currently the only manufacturer of bone China in the United States and offers classical representations of traditional dinnerware design. However, although the only producer of bone china dinnerware, it should not be presumed that styles and patterns are limited as Lenox offers over 1200 unique items in 99 original patterns.
Some patterns, such as the Continental Dining Platinum collection, are traditional in appearance utilizing solid colors with gold or platinum bands around the lip and rim of cups and plates. Other traditional designs include the Federal line, (available with different solid colors on the lip of the plate) or Bonnabel Place (which incorporates a subtle floral design on the rim of the plate with platinum banding). Classical china patterns are usual solid in color or with subtle embellishments that are symmetrical and incorporate understated structure. Some examples of traditional china patterns include laurels, hollies, paisley, and color blocking around the lip.
Modern design goes outside the norm of limiting embellishment to the rim of the plate and adorns the serving portion of plates as well. Some examples are the Gardner Street collection (which has platinum or green branches flowing from the plates lip to center), or the Voila line (with asymmetrical graphics on one side of the plate only). Other modern elements are vibrantly colored polka dots, large artistic depictions of nature, and any other large, bright, off-centered design element. Designers such as Kate Spade have worked with Lenox to provide traditional, transitional, and modern designs for all consumers.
Due to the transparency intrinsic to the production of the china itself, many dinnerware designers have designed special patters to allow for light to pass through and eliminate elements of the dinnerware. For example, the Glimmer collection relies on a slight translucence to the dinnerware to provide the optimum shine. Other pieces incorporate artwork that appears to be water colored on when combined with the unique attributes of Bone China. Lenox and other makers are also working to renovate the usefulness of fine china by designing lines that allow for microwave use, but still incorporate gold or other metallic adornment.
Bone china dinnerware is considered a collectors item, and makes a great gift for weddings. In fact, in the United States a tradition exists for a newly engaged couple to register to the design pattern they will utilize throughout their lives together. Most makers’ price dinnerware sets around $75-$150 per place setting, and extra charges will apply for serving dishes, gravy boats, and other ancillary items. It is best to display china in a low traffic area of the home, and to ensure the dinnerware is secured safely to the holder so that it does not scratch from movement. Homeowners can utilize the strategy of museums and purchase a gum like material that will ensure the plate will not move easily from the table or shelf it is displayed on.