Introduction

This book explores the genesis of armorial porcelain manufacture in Britain. While heraldic devices began appearing on Chinese porcelain from the sixteenth century onwards, armorials did not appear on British porcelain until the 1750s. It examines the development of porcelain in China and traces its introduction to Western Europe. The book delves into the market for armorial porcelains, from the early commissioning of Chinese armorial porcelainware to the establishment of manufactories in England capable of producing armorial porcelain. It also discusses the reasons behind the timing of armorial porcelain's manufacture in Britain. Additionally, it assesses armorial porcelain as a contemporary historical source. Building upon previous research by the authors, the book presents armorial porcelain as a distinct and highly personalized product. By integrating detailed genealogical research, cultural insights, and chemical analysis, it offers a comprehensive understanding of armorial porcelain within the context of heritage, culture, and science.