Why Porcelain Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

Handmade ceramics aren't cheap, but porcelain is often even more expensive. Compared to other ceramics, porcelain is non-porous, white, and translucent. The secret to these differences is in the clay. But even for experienced potters, porcelain can be challenging to work with. So how is porcelain made and why is it so expensive?
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Why Porcelain Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

[@Donteatacowman]

I appreciate this series, but I'd also like to see a "Why is X so cheap?" Because I definitely think when watching this, "wow, but I see similar pieces sold for a lot less money" - probably a mix of worse quality, poor labor practices,and factory production. I'm sure that it would be an eye-opening look into the less-artisan, less-sustainable kind of products that we are much more likely to buy than a handmade piece of porcelain. Not because I think this porcelain isn't worth the money, but because it makes me think that the cheap products are probably worth more than they're charging us too.

[@gavinjenkins899]

1) translucency isn't very important and glazed stoneware can look identical otherwise 2) You can just glaze with a stencil 3) Replace intuition with climate control and humidity sensors etc 4) Robots

[@daviddasilva8771]

historically porcelain was vastly more expensive than other ceramic ware, especially when it was exclusively produced in china and exported to european aristocracy (edmund de waal has a great book The White Road detailing the history of porcelain thats worth reading if youre interested in that history). however at this point while porcelain is more expensive than other clays that hardly factors into pricing in the context of contemporary handmade ceramics (the fact that toilet's or like a plate from target are both made of porcelain and cheap underscore this). if i make a 2 pound bowl the material cost with porcelain is maybe $1.50 and stoneware $0.75 and I sell the bowl for $35.00 that difference in material cost is fairly insignificant compared to other factors involved in pricing (labor for instance). the fact the ware is handpainted with under and overglaze adds far more significant cost to the production of the ware on the backend than using porcelain.

[@abigaellef.7180]

Not specifically about porcelain, but cheaper products are less ethical and use products not from a great quality and may have so ecological issues. Expensive products are easier to film in their creation because the producers have nothing to hide, they don't have underpaid and exploited workers, they can mask if their products are bad for the environnement. It would be tougher to film. In our modern days, in the textile industry, clothing is cheap because of multiple factors for example : polyester is the principal fabric so it is plastic and easy to create (unlike cotton or wool which needs to be harvested from plants/animals) ; clothing are made from models so it can be easily remade instead of a super tailored gown that will suit you perfectly ; usually and sadly the seamstress are exploited so they don't get paid much. Showing those can be interesting but can cause polemic, even juridiction issues (if an employee shows the true face, they might get fired ; often those places are shown illegaly so they might get sued) and I think risk it can be okay for mainstream television (we have some programs who do those sorts of series in France but by mainstream television) but a YT channel may be a litttle riské. Sorry for my english, I'm french !

[@pianoonparade]

the company shown isn't even the more expensive side of porcelain. the porcelain products we make now pale in comparison to what was achieved centuries ago - techniques that have now been lost. replicating them can cost thousands of dollars and it's still not up to par. ultimately, for porcelain, it's a combination of raw material composition, risk and craftsmanship. combine all of those and you get the final price (+supply/demand).

[@zelousfoxtrot3390]

I'd watch that- especially if they did comparisons with higher quality

[@komitadjie]

Something I particularly appreciate here is how they are taking their craftsmanship and a very old skill set, then updating it and applying it to keep it up to date. The traditional designs and colors are beautiful, iconic, and have a real place in the right decor. But actually following the market and producing the quality *along with* designs that will fit into a modern home is going to be their real success, I suspect, and will be what lets them stay a full-scale production place, as opposed to making low-production, bespoke products for only a niche market. Both are valuable, but keeping abreast of the trends without sacrificing quality is going to take them a lot farther, I suspect!

[@joejunior4700]

I mean they make wares for both design queues so it's a double win win for them.

[@maximilian6829]

You’ve repeated yourself five times you must’ve been an English major.

[@komitadjie]

@@maximilian6829 Bad habit when I'm typing on my phone for some reason.

[@gratefultemple3275]

Yeah, let's hope they never go with Flippy, the robot arms 🤹

[@boowiebear]

I agree, have to move with the market. I respect the traditional designs but wouldn’t want them in my house. Glad to see they are providing new designs.

[@EveloGrave]

I took ceramics in high school and found it moderately enjoyable. When I went off to college and needed some electives (still no clue why colleges require electives, money probably) I took up ceramics again. On my 2nd year we worked with porcelain. Let me tell you it is an understatement the difference in feel when molding the clay. I was use to a certain type of brown clay (I dont remember clay names im no expert haha) when we moved to porcelain I felt like I had to relearn everything. Took me a whole year to make a functioning, well balanced bowl. I still have it and love it.

[@SiliconBong]

Awesome. I admire the authenticity in your comment and have subscribed.

[@skwalka6372]

I imagine when you hold a Christofle porcelain plate in your hands your heart beat goes up (mine does.)

[@greenhat7618]

@@skwalka6372 people don’t love items just because they are premium, they love it when there is an emotional linkage, this is especially true for things people made themselves. I might be wrong but I think between the bowl he made in 2nd Year and a premium brand bowl, given they have a similar design, this person would prefer the one he made himself.

[@recuerdos2457]

Yea, it s like butter in touch, very hard to control especially using the wheel

[@mindyourbusinessgoogle8823]

Electives are unreasonably expensive but they offer this: random opportunities to learn about things that will be useful in other areas of life later on. Like nutrition, economics and philosophy classes. They may seem useless to an EENG but its provides you with understanding other areas of life like health, wellness, interpersonal relations, and consumerism/market events. This stuff just eventually comes in handy, even within your own field of work/business.

[@TheGrizzlyGarage]

The businesses showcased in these videos should have links to their websites in the description so we can support them and so they may also profit from this series. Seems fair.

[@ThePhiloctopus]

Arita Porcelain Lab

[@SirusStarTV]

It's called "so expensive" for a reason

[@rosyhvideo2587]

I know!

[@sarge6283]

It isn't difficult to make a Google search

[@AKei1412]

@@sarge6283 it isn't that hard for a channel with 6M subs to copy and paste a website either 👀

[@stephanieyee9784]

This was very interesting. The amount of work, artistry and experience demonstrated by these artisans gives me a greater appreciation for their products. The elderly man who has worked at this factory for 60 years is amazing.

[@PrestonGarvey69]

What else do you do when you do pottery all your life.

[@louisejohnson6057]

He's been doing that job, for as long as I've existed!😳. He is truly a Master Craftsman. The musician whose custom order this is, must be on of the rare, and lucky musicians who are able to make a living from their music. And a very good living it would appear, because I imagine that this order was very expensive. I'm really curious how much this set costs.

[@goofyfoot2001]

Porcelain is not expensive, the artistry is. Misleading video. I'm crappin on porcelain so porcelain is not expensive. This is like doing a video on why wood is so expensive.

[@louisejohnson6057]

@@goofyfoot2001, there are plenty of types of wood that are hella expensive.

[@aadixum]

@@goofyfoot2001 Some varieties of wood ARE expensive, regardless of the design of the finished product. That is the very reason fake wood finishes of some wood varieties have become popular.

[@roguesample]

My favorite part of this series is when you interview artisans who have been doing their work for decades upon decades. Hearing someone talk about the intricacies of their craft that they only could’ve learned from doing it that long is super interesting

[@soiledhalo2296]

Made me sad when the artist couldn't afford to buy the 100g of paint. They do all this work and can't afford some nice things for themselves.

[@SpringLeafWolf]

I've seen so many "So Expensive" videos when a new one's uploaded I already know why it might be expensive: labor intensive, handmade, time consuming, difficult to harvest/process, low wage workers, or employee 60+ yrs in the job. Am I still gonna watch it? Yes!

[@REDnBLACKnRED]

Low wage workers is the saddest part when the final object costs so much.

[@SpringLeafWolf]

@@REDnBLACKnRED it really is, breaks my heart every time.

[@santiagogunterg]

ok, Business Insiders mini docs are probably the best made on KZbin. So Expensive, and the one on crafts are my favorite. keep up the amazing work!

[@bustavonnutz]

Paolo from Tokyo makes videos more in-depth than this about Japanese businesses, if you're interested in docs like these then I have zero shame in shouting him out.

[@octavia4324]

I know right, I love them so much

[@simpmaster7995]

@Whatasp±①③④⑥③⓪⑥①⑦③⓪ Hey Nigerian can you stop scamming others?

[@mella8298]

@@bustavonnutz please link to his KZbin channel - sounds very interesting!

[@user-up7nb6id1f]

@@bustavonnutz don’t like him - stop promoting him

[@scribblecrumb]

I work for a pottery studio and yeah! this stuff takes a ton of work. We make stoneware and, every so often, porcelain too. Underglazing and carving designs into the clay is almost always the reason its gets expensive. Fine detail work takes a lot of time, especially if you need to replicate it over and over with a high degree of accuracy.

[@aaronbennack714]

Did you notice she said they put underglaze on bisque? Is that how your studio did it? I thought UG generally goes on before the 1st firing.

[@scribblecrumb]

@@aaronbennack714 I did! and yes, we do the same thing. Our process is typically: the potter throws the pottery on a wheel, the pottery spends about 24 hours slow drying, a carver uses tools to make designs in the clay, the pottery is then dried completely, once dry it is bisque fired, then any underglaze is applied before the glaze and final firing. I’m not especially certain of what the norm is, this is the only studio I’ve ever worked at and I just follow the process set out for us by the potter. I’m employed there as a carver and underglazer.

[@MattMundane]

I don't get it. Please explain why the porcelain at China Town is so cheap ?

[@maxgucciardi4507]

​@@MattMundane plastic

[@ReelX4U]

When I had my kitchen gutted and redone by a home construction guy, I went to an area in NYC close to an area called “College Point” that has many Chinese owned Businesses that specialized in selling wall tiles and floor tiles and real wood kitchen cabinets and I went to Home Depot and Lowes. The best floor tiles I brought were the “Porcelain Floor Tiles” durable and beautiful with a nice light tan color and to this day they have kept up with all the wear and tear a kitchen floor normally receives. The sales lady that I brought them from could hardly speak a word of English, But by the look at the number of invoices sitting on her desk, I would say she is doing just fine. A quality product will sell itself.

[@greg.peepeeface]

True, but with Amazon and all the deceptive marketing and D-T-C e-commerce, cheap ultimately sells and most of the brands on Amazon, are "no name brands."

[@SICresinwrks]

Glad to see more people seeing all the steps/processes it takes for the beautiful porcelain pieces, some dont realize the amount of work that goes into it

[@321findus]

As is the case with almost everything hand-made. Huge props to all artisans that have spent thousands of hours perfecting their craft and work hard to bring us these wonderful products

[@aslamstudio558]

I find it impressive the shop existed for 200 years, and they are planning hundreds of years ahead

[@BlackSeranna]

I am surprised that lots of people don’t plan ahead like this - one should always think ahead for making improvements so that one’s children have good lives. I feel that this is behind what they are doing, planning for the beauty of the future.

[@aslamstudio558]

@@BlackSeranna i wonder, will this store exist even if we (somehow) become interplanetary? Probably, maybe as a luxury decoration company?

[@BlackSeranna]

@@aslamstudio558 it absolutely will. However, I am willing to bet that people from this line of work will move to another planet, learn something unique about the soil on that planet, and create a new type of porcelain that will also be beautiful. These people are innovators.

[@hoennnoodle]

The old imperial porcelain capital of China, Jingdezhen, was given special patronage by the various imperial houses of China starting in the early 11th century. The potters there still handmake porcelain in much the same fashion as they once did centuries ago. They even survived the Cultural Revolution by diversifying from artisanal porcelain wares to making trinkets bearing Maoist slogans lol. There's also a 600-hundred-year-old wood-fired kiln that has been in continuous operation since the early Ming dynasty in one of the porcelain 'factories'

[@aslamstudio558]

@@hoennnoodle im just surprised shops like these last for so long

[@SirFloofy001]

I love the look of the modern styling of porcelain, but at the same time i really hope the skills needed for making the beautiful classic style of China never die out.

[@chrissmith3587]

Its actually too pretty, as it’s expensive and so beautiful I wouldn’t want to use it as a plate

[@MichaelHarto]

I love it when they repair broken ones with lacquer and gold dust. Kintsugi. So beautiful.

[@Intranetusa]

Yep. Similarly, the lost artifact "The Heirloom Seal of the Realm" made from a rare piece of jade during China's Qin Dynasty also had a piece of its corner destroyed, so artisans replaced the corner with gold. This is supposed to be one of its primary distinguishing features making it unique from other imperial seals...no doubt helping to identify it if it is ever found.

[@ReclusiveEagle]

It's nice that artisans don't tell you how hard it is to create or have to convince you why its expensive to justify the price like Cuban Chain manufacturers

[@jasonjennings8465]

I love the traditional style over the modern. So intricate and beautiful. You can see all the hard work that goes into each piece.

[@jbwooten89]

I love how so many crafts in Japan are made by people who talk in terms of hundreds of years - not just like 10 or 20. Phenomenal. All while focusing on innovation while still preserving the roots of the crafts.

[@hiimryan2388]

You know I wish there was a "why is it so cheap" series as I'm shocked that corn etc is so cheap

[@LENZ5369]

Government subsidies (biofuel/crop insurance/etc.) and the resulting 'over supply'.

[@KatyStitchTse]

one of the factor could be explotation of local farmers (in the case of chocolate, bananas for example)...the reasons wont be as pretty as these series

[@dummyspittinglamma6494]

There's actually a few videos about "Why is it so cheap" like palm oil and air travel!

[@Kabodanki]

there's the cost, the exploitation, the hidden cost, the subsidies

[@mememan1546]

Corn in the US is mass-produced. There is usually only a handful of people working on one farm at a time because there is equipment that can mass plant and harvest, and in large part the corn is payed for by the government.

[@kf505]

So beautiful to see the finished pieces, especially the intricately painted ones! I had no idea porcelain was fired three times and for a few days instead of like overnight. No wonder it costs more. The firing time, time to set everything for the kiln, the painting time, it all adds up. Great video, very clean shop, nice employees. Thank you.

[@andersjjensen]

I'm fairly certain that the energy requirement to ramp something up to 1300C and hold it there for (guessing) 36 hours before ramping down again is pretty intense in it's own right. Add a ton of labour on top... and yeah.. Imma just gon get some stuff from Ikea.. :P

[@Thebreakdownshow1]

Some of these plates remind me of my grandma.

[@simeonkioi3844]

ok

[@KimJongUnGamingAndVlogging]

are you asian

[@conscience-commenter]

Thank you for that look into how porcelain tableware is made . When people buy from a retail store they can't see first hand the artisanry and skill required to produce such beautiful porcelain wares. Knowing its history and provenance make it that much more valuable to collectors and consumers alike .

[@illustriousSad]

I can't help but respect their craftsmanship ❤️

[@FARHANKHAN-yn6ky]

Overrated check India lol

[@michelemurphy3541]

Working with clay is the most relaxing…it is intriguing how tranquil you feel working with clay. Magical even. Beautiful work artists…beautiful. ❤

[@bummers]

Would be interesting to have one to show how it is done in China and another to compare how porcelain art has evolved over the centuries from its invention in China, to its current form all over the world.

[@user-jj4sj9rf7x]

Chinese artisan porcelain maker are using more traditional way. All hand made. They don't use such mould you see in the video. That requires much experience. Also the painting style and color are totally different.

[@Amidat]

like tea and silk it was a state secret.... westerners stole the intellectual property.... isn't it ironic

[@jordy885]

I love the traditional Japanese designs over the modern, they're so beautiful and unique

[@julioduan7130]

That’s traditional Chinese design.

[@84rinne_moo]

Well the one plate they showed near the beginning at 0:22 was def Japanese patterns

[@AA-oy6yp]

​@@julioduan7130 Arita porcelain painting is definitely a Japanese style. If you have the same painting in China, could you please provide a picture and a detailed description? Arita-yaki originated when a Korean potter, 「李参平」“”Ri San-pyo“”, who was forcibly taken to Japan during Hideyoshi Toyotomi's war of aggression against Korea in the 16th century, discovered clay suitable for making pottery in the mountains of Arita. There is no direct relationship between Arita-yaki and China. Later, Arita-yaki was rapidly developed during the Edo period by potters such as 「柿右衛門」“”Kakiemon“”, leading to the current style.

[@redkellbell6169]

According to what I've found, their most expensive item listed currently on their site is priced the equivalent of approximately $517 usd. But I wouldn't doubt the few thousand price range. Very interesting process! Thanks for the episode and series!

[@venivyyy]

those that go to the thousands are most likely customized pieces

[@TheRoulette77]

i miss this so much...the connection to the past... i miss the hours at the wheel ... end of the day looking at the racks you have filled, the daily feeling of accomplishment was bliss... the emotion of loosing a piece in the kiln that you put yourself into and worked so hard on made it very interesting.

[@lagunaclayglazeco.2305]

Glad to be part of this video! Good work Business Insider Team!

[@namehere4954]

Love Franz porcelain pieces. They're stunning and well designed. Mine don't just sit in a cabinet but pieces are used daily because why not!

[@ScareFestTTV]

This looks amazing!

[@piplup10203854]

2:44 that’s probably my favorite part of the process ☺️ seeing it all come together in the design and filling it in.

[@oldasyouromens]

I once did a research project on an Arita plate made by Fukugawa-Seiji from 1903, and as soon as I saw the plate just before the intro of the video, I just about lost my mind. I love that they're still using the same molds, stamps, and styles.

[@awakethemaster]

Amazing art of porcelains and excellent to use or to be collected. Beautiful!

[@rafaelperalta1676]

Modern or classic, these pieces are works of art. Each one is beautiful!

[@Rudy97]

If I want a nice set I would rather get a colourful one with extremely detailed art. But yes a sleek design that screams business fits better with modern houses. But then again why do people even want their home to look like an office :)

[@RubmaLione]

I really enjoyed seeing a mixture of both very young and old artisans working here, sharing techniques, and learning from each other.

[@vishwa_iron]

This is probably the best show on KZbin I dont skip or fast forward it even a single second

[@michaelfoye1135]

This is such an interesting and informative series. Thank you and please keep making them.

[@marktaylor3284]

⤴️⤴️⤴️⤴️ .Thâñks før wãtçhīñg. Ïñböx thē ñümbêr åbøvê ī gôt sömēthîñg tø shōw yåh.⤴️⤴️⤴️⤴️..

[@col.231]

I fully appreciate the work that goes into creating these beautiful pieces. Many many years of experience in each artist, Many ears ago I owned a beautiful porcelain large cup, I used it daily and loved it so much. One day a person visited our house to carry out a repair to something. When he finished and left I discovered my beautiful drinking vessel in the bin, he had broken it beyond repair. I am now in my senior years but still remember that beautiful porcelain drinking vessel. Now you know why I appreciate the art of creating beautiful items in ceramic. Thank you for reading/

[@sweettaterpie7009]

I have a large porcelain vase from my deceased, extravagant mother outside holding my hiking sticks. I think I'll bring it in now. Right ?

[@ingGS]

It was absolutely beautiful to see the painting by hand. Simply amazing to know that such an art still survives.

[@Newishrevolution1]

Masters of their craft. I had no idea and always thought the little paintings were cheesy. Beautiful

[@themindeclectic9821]

My great grandma was a porcelain doll maker. My grandma (who I lived with) had a turret in her house with a spiral staircase up it, and at the top was about a hundred of these dolls. Honestly, they were extremely creepy and made everyone uneasy LMAO. I always wanted one though, cause this grandma is where I got my name. I was always promised I'd get to choose one someday. They're all gone now, but sometimes I hope I'll find one in a thrift store or something.

[@hylacinerea970]

all through history china has made ceramics their top export, especially to africa & south asia. as a result this extensive trade network is very well preserved in many places due to porcelain’s chemical properties

[@rachelkoiks]

Ahhh I like that ending. Because yeah I like things black, grey, blue, dark green, and white. I’d probably buy porcelain pieces that I find interesting if they matched the colors I’m drawn to. So I’m glad to see a relationship between tradition/quality with more modern colors/paintings so it fits in our spaces. Thinking outside of the box but not straying too far from the tradition will help keep it thriving for years to come.

[@alexg5513]

The sheer talent and skill in that room is exceptional and not if I were to live 200 years could I come anywhere close to these people. Beautiful work!

[@SICresinwrks]

What amazes me is some of the artists age yet still having such a steady hand! Im not even 40 and wish my hands were that steady when doing precise lines lol

[@Rudy97]

Some are just gifted.

[@SICresinwrks]

@@Rudy97 absolutely

[@AmyGood]

Such beautiful pieces. Really appreciate business insider for creating these educational and interesting series on hand crafts that dates back hundreds of years. The artists puts in so much dedication to their work. and they create the most elegant and delicate pieces for us to enjoy.

[@elenamilitopingitore5044]

Much appreciated documentary on this subject, thank you

[@lij7886]

This is the best youtube channel hands down❤

[@athmaid]

4:31 that rainbow effect is incredible

[@lukeonuke]

I have a generational tresure of porcelin in my home, it survived 200 years, 7 wars and its still used from time to time for eating. And the f-er still looks brand new.

[@dadkotserendorj41]

More you find out more you appreciate. Love this series.

[@khoi5591]

Glad to see that porcelain is still in the making. The Japanese do well in drawing patterns.

[@KateandBree]

It’s interesting “modern” Japanese people dislike the colorful, highly decorated pieces. Those are the ones I’m most drawn toward. Everyone is so different and I LOATHE minimalism.

[@louisejohnson6057]

I'm curious, why the quote marks around the word modern?

[@ShiratoriIsOffline]

@@louisejohnson6057 (2)

[@louisejohnson6057]

@@ShiratoriIsOffline , sorry, that means nothing to me.

[@ShiratoriIsOffline]

@@louisejohnson6057 oh, it just means I have the same question, just force of habit lol

[@MasterGhostf]

@@louisejohnson6057 I think they might be trying to make the distinction that not ALL Japanese dislike colorful pieces.

[@usmanabdullah1815]

cannot believe so many rich videos like this from this channel just for free. so thankful.

[@ravent2631]

I have some vintage Arita Imari style porcelain and absolutely love it.

[@beingkindapissedoff]

I disagree with trying to make their pieces more modern, not with the company but with the people wanting plain old black and white pieces. If your house is modern and sleek, the best thing you could do to compliment the atmosphere is some colorful china. A centerpiece maybe of golds and reds on your dining table, intricate plates displayed on your counters. Makes your space pop.

[@hoffthechain3653]

I heartily agree!

[@deepakminj3131]

In India we call the material "chini mitti" which means sand from the china.

[@CarloBarlongo]

Okay

[@zukoshonor4557]

We call it cheena mati.

[@holtzykiwi9616]

I've been waiting for porcelain documantary! Thank you for this?

[@salehazeez6890]

Come to Samarqand, Uzbekistan 🇺🇿, the old paper making is still standing❤

[@XDLeadingLady]

Im a dentist and porcelain is used in dentistry for veneers and crowns as well. It truly is an intricate task at hand to manipulate this material. Every one of then are artists… to understand what kind of porcelain to use and how to layer it.

[@dutelatte2154]

I love how they have a better aproach to modernizing and evolving with the times, it's still important to have a smaller part of it being more hand crafted to keep the tradition alive.

[@xman3514]

This piece of art must be really expensive and appreciated too.its just beautiful

[@insenjojo1839]

this is by far one of the best episodes in this series....

[@Tanjimulchowdhury]

In Bangladesh we call it "china mati" meaning Chinese soil.

[@laosi4278]

Funny, in Indonesia mati means death so China mati means to us "Dead China"

[@samuel70315]

@@laosi4278 😅

[@ReelX4U]

@@laosi4278 👍 Good One!!!

[@user-xt7iv4rz7l]

@@laosi4278 @Tri**69, @Re**4what kind of human u are to make up such shameful joke when you are still benefiting from China’s creations! I cannot name even one single thing that is derived from Indonesia, but I won’t say something like Dead Indonesia.

[@ThePhiloctopus]

Let's give the makers credit! Arita Porcelain Lab

[@mfirdhaus]

I love this series!

[@martinblue9545]

Keep it up your videos are amazing!

[@carpy1252]

I've always felt like you get such bang for your buck when buying porcelain and don't often think of them as too expensive, these beauties last so long that they get passed down from generation to generation. We have a set passed down from the 70's, and you couldn't even really their age. They last so long, that you hardly ever get a chance to replace them to enjoy new ones. These days, I know plenty of people that prefer to use disposable plates on a daily basis and that's what I would consider expensive.

[@namehere4954]

Yes, I've purchased a few Franz porcelain pieces and absolutely love them - they'll be passed down to my kids or they could sell them as porcelain holds its value. Things should last lifetimes and people should look at themselves as care takers not owners. I find regular use of paper plates absurd as well - you can get gently used sets of dishes (not porcelain) for $5-10.

[@magiv4205]

@@namehere4954 my family has a gorgeous set passed down from my great-grandmother and it still looks completely new. Porcelain is ageless.

[@alejandrogonzalez5326]

The man has been doing the same work for 60 years that is my dream life.

[@NoThrottle]

I appreciate their desire for keeping the tradition but as well keeping up with the times.

[@natew5544]

the artists that paint the pieces should get paid a certain percentage of each completed piece. i find it disturbing that the lady that did it said that she could not afford one of her pieces. not many people can do what she can do and her SKILL should be valued and she should be compensated fairly.

[@thegeniusman8757]

She couldn't afford a paint. Some paints are really expensive.

[@markcoolio1231]

I do appreciate the exploration of Asian artisanship, but why is it that whenever a specific topic is discussed the channel tends to interview a Japanese company or master? For example, I remember watching the brush and now porcelain, these are both common items in other Asian countries including China. It is hard to believe Business Insider cannot find a Chinese master or company just as skilled as the Japanese counterparts.

[@123darkfang]

the Chinese use child slave labor... are you referring to Chinese slave masters?

[@GabrielleduVent]

It's because a lot of your traditional craftsmanship got destroyed or died off during the Communist Revolution. For example, 景徳鎮is world famous for its beauty, but the pieces with intricate craftsmanship aren't produced as commonly anymore and the pieces produced are for more mundane uses. I think the same goes for 仏山, 漢口,　朱仙鎮. On the other hand, most Japanese know of Arita still and they still keep up with the traditional crafts at the traditional level. China had amazing craftsmanship before the revolution. Suwato embroidery, for instance, rich silks, beautiful ceramics. I can't find them in production anymore (and I've looked). The places where they kept old craftsmanship never underwent socialism and they've kept what is called the elite class. Some may call it capitalist rot, but culture always flourished when the upper class was bored and could patronise such artisanship.

[@applepie9806]

@@GabrielleduVent Reading this makes me sad, because I love my grandma's culture's art. I barely see anything from China and yeah it sounds about right. :( A lot of China's rich thousands of years history is closed off from the world. For example, I'm learning embroidery, but I've never heard of suwato embroidery, yet when I search it's on par or heck even more better and skillfully made than medieval european lace, yet I've seen information of medieval lace even when I'm not looking for it. Same for tatting. I wish the chinese preserved their history a little better.

[@TheSongwritingCat]

YES. I'm tired of them always choosing to go to Japan.

[@s._3560]

Xi Ling, you can still find masters in porcelain making in China. Jingdezheng has a national ceramics institute and a thriving ceramics community with a weekend market of students selling their wares. Many potters from around the world also setup studios there to draw inspiration from each other. Even Japanese potters. Dehua white porcelain is still being made in China. If you know mandarin, you can watch it documented in many CCTV documentaries on the artisans. Don't expect Western media to show you anything that promotes China. Everything refined and Chinese, they try as much as possible to highlight and feature instead alternatives from other Asian countries as replacement. Not only porcelain, the finest wood furniture made only with joinery by Chinese artisans and exported them to the world. These were highly valued because they when compared with furniture held together by nails lasted longer and don't fall apart easily. They still make and export it to Chinese in South East Asia. Many of these antique porcelain and furniture pieces still exists on display in National Trusts houses once owned by aristocrats in UK. China may have gone through a very rough time in foreign invasions, revolution, ww2, civil war and cultural revolution but it doesn't mean that they are totally a cultural desert now. Many traditional arts, crafts and culture are experiencing a revival and greater appreciation.

[@oakenshadow6763]

The clay itself is so smooth and soft to the tough. So loevly to work with.

[@SMBeech]

The design work alone justifies the price. These are beautiful.

[@Yianiz]

My mom used to work for a ceramic company here in the Philippines but they closed business year 2009. People are not that interested anymore to buy. first because of the price since everything is going up people prefer to buy non-ceramic wares to use at home. It's sad.

[@Fenikz30K]

This was so interesting to watch I hope they keep it mainly traditional cause it's what's kept the business going for so long

[@0ptimal]

Seems lovely to spend your work creating beautiful things.

[@reesecollins482]

Now I know why people call them "China" plates and why they are expensive.

[@delcarmen1377]

Absolutely stunning! I would love to own some of this fine China with traditional and modern designs one day😍

[@plantsoverpills1643]

This was very illuminating. It’s amazing to see the range in age of the artisans especially the older ones still being able to apply such delicate and small designs. As for the modern trends….How can people rush to enjoy the colours that nature provides (example plants in bloom or changing of leaves,) and yet, be so satisfied with the drab, dark and dull colours of so called modern anything?

[@gaiaaoi1005]

It's delicate and intricate at the same time, each of those is an amazing art piece.

[@marktaylor3284]

⤴️⤴️⤴️⤴️ Thâñks før wãtçhīñg . Ïñböx thē ñümbêr åbøvê ī gôt sömēthîñg tø shōw yåh

[@dznuts123]

Another instance where Business Insider deliberately avoided making the video in China.

[@Rudy97]

Everyone knows stuff made in Japan is the highest quality there is.

[@alexeiutgoff7955]

China is the dumpster of the world. Everyone should avoid there. Also. This show is about expensive things. Not cheap sweat shop garbage.

[@julioduan7130]

They don’t want the viewers to associate China with valuable fine China.

[@dznuts123]

@@julioduan7130 Yes, and it's all part of the massive propaganda campaign that prepares the west for an eventual war with China.

[@lujayn3]

it might be hard for business insider to get permission to enter china at the moment because china is locking out a lot of foreigners especially the kind with cameras cause they are fearful of western spies , so business insider is probably just defaulting to japan for a lot of things

[@priyaramesh7196]

the colorful ones were gorgeous hopefully the mordern ones dont takeover

[@imgzrona09uc72]

I worked many years 30 years ago in sourcing ceramic houseware in Asia for the mass market in tht USA. So I enjoyed this video very much. Fundamentally the same processes but key differences included tunnel kiln not intermittent kilns, semi-auto jiggering not manual, dip glazing by hand no tools employed, and decoration by decal for under or over glaze pieces. We has attractive ware but not art. Thanks for the memories.

[@rawlivingwithdisabilities]

Amazing aesthetic episodes ❤

[@sadiq_akbar_taranwal]

I respect everyone who were involved in this Seriously the best piece that i ve ever seen on KZbin 💌 Hate off to well all 💟 love your videos...

[@KevinKingofPrussians]

Not be grammar Nazi but it's hat. Again I'm not trying to be that person.

[@gokusan1015]

How are u able to watch a 7 min video in 1 min?

[@animalmonkeys2146]

yes ,i a gree

[@SevenHunnid]

I’m 21 years old & I review products on my KZbin channel.. tryna get out the hood by 30 little by little💯

[@Rifatbinmaruf]

bot

[@rahulchakrabarty9083]

She forgot to mention that in Japan it takes years to master :P Jokes apart, I believe those so-called ancient designs are something that is more interesting and delightful than boring "contemporary" design.

[@knty4]

Every ancient design was a contemporary one once

[@Kevin15047]

@@knty4 Yes but our contemporary really is boring.

[@aidasoto2936]

What a beautiful work and job. So relaxing

[@earthlingsdeliciousfoodlab]

all of that work is so beautiful

[@cindyndeda532]

It's extremely difficult for Japanese to change century old traditions, the fact that this porcelain shop is doing it is REMARKABLE.

[@marktaylor3284]

⤴️⤴️⤴️⤴️ .Thâñks før wãtçhīñg. Ïñböx thē ñümbêr åbøvê ī gôt sömēthîñg tø shōw yåh.⤴️⤴️⤴️⤴️.

[@XavierRaphael]

Porcelains nowadays aren’t expensive since everything’s automated, unless it’s handmade like this.

[@ejakaegypt]

I love the craftsmanship

[@latte2297]

I was hoping the So Expensive series would cover porcelain and right as I was thinking that you guys did it!

[@kenanwisaksenahudawan4271]

Japanese craft of every object is the best in term of quality. I believe this is because of loyalty, just like that pops has worked with porcelain for 60 years. Mastery no doubt, but what makes the quality only getting better is his lifetime knowledge will passed down to the young, and they will improve that knowledge for another lifetime.

[@wallacesouza2678]

I'VE BEEN SEEING POST EVERYWHERE ABOUT FOREX TRADING AND CRYPTO CURRENCY, A LOT OF PEOPLE KEEP SAYING THINGS ABOUT THIS TRADING PLATFORMS PLEASE CAN SOMEONE LINK ME TO SOMEBODY WHO CAN PUT ME THROUGH..?

[@montserratherrero782]

Trading with her is %100, she is legit and sure in trading unlike others.

[@Simeonsaater]

Mrs Olivera Jane okhumalo,God will continue to give you the strength to satisfy all your clients.

[@antoniaprieto5390]

who's this professional, everyone is talking about i always see her post on top comment on every KZbin video I watched how can i reach her?

[@antoniaprieto5390]

@Anna Jensen Thanks for her what's app info 👍

[@marialuisalorenzo3042]

I'm from Germany I used to take loan from the bank for surviver but after trading with expert Mrs Olivera Jane okhumalo she changed my financial status for real

[@mugabezion5763]

Beautiful work of art

[@stephenverges4002]

Very well done. How you edited down to 8 minutes is a wonder. More please. Thank you, Be well sv

[@m.haslam8495]

If you want the best 'china' in the world, you have to pay the price. I can assure you that tea tastes better in a china cup. 🇬🇧

[@louisgonzalez8846]

Agree 100%.!!!!

[@watchdealer11]

"My ex is the most expensive thing ever made" --My nephew 🤣

[@kiro9291]

love this series