Which characteristic applies to true porcelain?

True porcelain is often associated with specific characteristics that define its authenticity and quality. One of the primary features is that it follows a traditional Chinese recipe, which typically involves the use of high-quality materials such as kaolin (a type of clay), feldspar, and quartz. This combination is essential in creating the distinctive qualities of porcelain, including its strength, translucence, and the ability to be finely crafted into delicate shapes.

The traditional Chinese methods of producing porcelain date back centuries and contributed to its revered status in both art and functionality. By adhering to these historical recipes and techniques, porcelain reaches the high firing temperatures necessary to vitrify the clay, resulting in a non-porous and durable material.

In contrast, other options do not align with the properties of true porcelain. For instance, firing at low temperatures is characteristic of earthenware, which does not achieve the same strength. Soft-paste porcelain, while a form of porcelain, differs in its composition and firing methods compared to true porcelain, which is a hard-paste variety. Lastly, earthenware clay is fundamentally different from the materials used in true porcelain, which significantly affects the final product's quality and characteristics.