Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between semi-porcelain and porcelain?
1 Answer

The difference between semi-porcelain and porcelain is the temperature at which it is produced and its appearance. Both types of pottery usually come from kaolin clay, but porcelain gets fired at higher temperatures than semi-porcelain. Consequently, porcelain has a translucent appearance, while semi-porcelain is opaque. In addition, semi-porcelain is usually more water-absorbent than porcelain. Explore a wide range of porcelain and semi-porcelain pieces on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
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Shop for Porcelain on 1stDibs
Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Red Cabbage Tureen and Cover
Located in Downingtown, PA
Botanical Jewel: Rare Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Red Cabbage Tureen
Origin: Meissen, Germany Period: Marcolini Era (Late 18th Century, c. 1774–1814) Material: Hard-Paste Porcelai...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century German Rococo Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Porcelain Constantinople 6 Plate
By Les Ottomans
Located in Milan, IT
This magnificent porcelain plate was designed by Vito Nesta and inspired by the Ottoman empire and its capital. It is part of a limited series of six plates that can be mismatched ob...
Category
2010s Italian Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$105 / item
Vintage Japanese Porcelain Tray Arita Sometsuke Blue White Birds Decor
By Arita
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage rectangular porcelain tray features a traditional Arita style blue and white decor with motif of small bird sitting on flowering tree branches in Sometsuke decoration techniq...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Japonisme Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery
$184 Sale Price
20% Off
Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Charger, Bowl or Platter
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Charger, Decorative Dish or Bowl
A beautiful example of Japanese Meiji-style cloisonné craftsmanship, this finely det...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Gien “Fraises en Folie” Set of 6 Hand-Painted Porcelain Plates, France 1985
By Gien
Located in Bochum, NRW
Gien “Fraises en Folie” – Set of 6 Hand-Painted Dessert Plates, Each with Unique Historic Border, France.
An extraordinary collector’s edition from *Gien, France, this six-piece *“Fr...
Category
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Porcelain
Materials
Faience, Porcelain
$656 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Antique Chinese White Glazed Wang Bin Rong Brush Pot
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning antique Chinese white glaze porcelain brush pot of cylindrical shape finely moulded in relief with duelling dragons above waves with leaping fish and other moulded decorat...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain


