soft-paste porcelain

Soft-paste porcelain is a type of ceramic ware developed in the 18th century that mimics authentic Chinese porcelain but is made using a different, softer clay mixture. Unlike hard-paste porcelain, which uses pure kaolin clay, soft-paste incorporates pottery pastes and glass-like substances, making it easier to shape and fire at lower temperatures. It often has a slightly warmer, more opaque appearance and can be more fragile. Soft-paste was initially created to meet the European demand for porcelain before their own traditional methods and materials were perfected, and it remains a notable example of early European efforts in ceramic innovation.