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The Art and Science of Porcelain
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Since its founding in 1950, Boehm™ Porcelain Studio has carefully handcrafted individual pieces of Boehm™
porcelain sculpture using traditional methods derived from the ancient Chinese process of porcelain making.
Highly skilled and trained artisans and craftsmen complete a series of intricate procedures to create a finished
product held to the highest standards of artistic detailing and quality craftsmanship.
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Even in today's environment of technological advancement, each porcelain sculpture begins its life on paper,
in sketch form. The sculptor then determines its size, structure, and floral accompaniments and shapes
a rough model in modeling clay. Once the sculpture is finalized, mold makers proceed to carefully cut it
into parts that complement each other. This process can last weeks. |
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Boehm™ Porcelain Studio is recognized for creating pure porcelain sculpture from the whitest and purest clays.
After being fired at approximately 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit for at least one full day, sculptures then remain
in the kiln for two days until properly cooled.
When the pure porcelain is poured into these working molds, water is absorbed and a thin clay lining begins
to build on their inside walls. After a time, the mold is opened and the still-damp shell of clay
(called "greenware") is gently removed and cleaned. Normally twelve to twenty castings can be taken
from a set of working molds before they begin to wear and a new set cast from the master mold is required.
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Pieces that successfully make it through the initial firing
are refined to a smooth surface and hallmarks are applied to the bottom of the base, ready for the painter's
brush, with re-firings in the kiln between applications of various colors. These colors are extracted in rock
form from the earth and are then pulverized. Each art piece is fired at least three times.
Even with these carefully designed props in place, many designs cannot be fired successfully and must be discarded. |
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When finished, each piece is carefully examined against the original design and mold, in order
to ensure that every detail is consistent and represents flawless craftsmanship.
Finally, the sculpture is ready for packing and shipping. This last stage is a unique challenge in itself,
but the Studio has devised a reliable, effective packing solution for every kind of porcelain piece.
Every day, scores of Boehm™ porcelains are safely shipped to museums, palaces and homes around the world.
And an art and science born twenty centuries ago continues.
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