Vintage Fine China

A few things account for the difference between bone china and fine china. True bone china contains animal-derived bone ash, while fine china does not. The addition of the bone ash gives bone china a lighter, more delicate feel and a translucent appearance. Fine china, by comparison, is weightier and more opaque. Also, fine china tends to be more economically priced than bone. Explore a variety of china on 1stDibs.

Real fine bone China can be extremely valuable. If it has a somewhat translucent quality when held up to a light it is real. If the piece is from a renowned manufacturer and is a rare piece, it can be even more valuable.

Many different pieces of vintage china are worth money. Porcelain, a durable and nonporous kind of pottery made from clay and stone, was first made in China and spread across the world owing to the trade routes to the Far East established by Dutch and Portuguese merchants. Given its origin, English speakers called porcelain “fine china,” an expression you still might hear today.

"Fine" indeed — for over a thousand years, it has been a highly sought-after material. Collectors often seek out early figurines manufactured by the likes of Dresden, Wedgwood and Meissen, while pieces that show off the characteristics of mid-century modern design, such as pieces designed by Raymond Loewy for Rosenthal, are also alluring to enthusiasts of porcelain.

Generally, the age, maker, style, type and condition of a piece of china determines its value. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer can provide you with information on any pieces that you own. On 1stDibs, find a collection of vintage china.