Are pottery and porcelain the same thing?

Many people associate “ceramics” together, but “pottery” and “porcelain” are actually two different things. They are like cousins, with blood ties but vastly different personalities and appearances.
Their differences mainly lie in three points:

1. Different “body” (raw materials): Pottery is made of ordinary clay, while porcelain requires higher quality kaolin and a purer and more delicate fetal bone.
2. Different “heat” (temperature): This is the most crucial difference. Pottery is usually fired at a temperature of around 1000 ℃, while porcelain requires a flame test of up to 1300 ℃ or higher. Higher temperatures make the porcelain body denser and harder.
3. Different “constitution” (characteristics): Because of the above two points, after the finished product, the ceramic body is relatively loose, absorbs water, and produces a dull knocking sound; The porcelain body is sturdy, does not absorb water, and has a clear and crisp knocking sound like a bell. In addition, the glazed surface of porcelain is smoother and more lustrous, and even has a certain degree of transparency.
   So, the next time you pick up an object, you can try to distinguish: the thick flowerpot and the antique purple clay teapot are made of pottery; The exquisite blue and white cups, as well as the shiny white rice bowls, are made of porcelain. Although they are different, they all carry the artistic life of blending soil and fire.