An essential guide to working with porcelain, from its history and composition, to building, decorating and firing.For thousands of years, the special properties of porcelain - its delicacy, translucency and remarkable strength - have fascinated and inspired, and these qualities continue to appeal to ceramic artists. However, porcelain is also a notoriously demanding medium that presents unique challenges.In this inspiring practical guide, porcelain artist Vivienne Foley introduces you to the material she has been working with for more than forty years. The book takes a comprehensive look at all aspects of porcelain, and covers everything from its composition and workability, to decorating and glazing. Learn about methods of throwing and building - with a focus on techniques and faults specific to porcelain, explore drying and firing, and make use of a useful troubleshooting section on all the most likely problems and faults along with suggested remedies.Beginning with the fascinating history of making in porcelain, from the Imperial kilns of China to the Meissen factory of Germany and beyond, this book gives you an insight into the way porcelain has been used in the past and how it has been adapted and developed for contemporary work, by current artists who are constantly looking to push the boundaries of possibility.Illustrated throughout with helpful how-to images, as well as the beautiful works of current artists, Porcelain is the essential handbook for any ceramic student or artist seeking to understand and work with this extraordinary material.