Aynsley China

Founded in 1775 by John Aynsle, Aynsley china is a British manufacturer of bone china tableware. Bone china is a soft-paste porcelain composed of at least 30% phosphate derived from animal bone and calculated calcium phosphate. It is revered by collectors for its whiteness and translucency, as well as its chip resistance.

Though it has been around for centuries, Aynsley china continues to be made in the same traditional way. While plates and cups are formed into molds, while other tableware like soup tureens, teapots, and bowls are hand cast using liquid clay. Handles are then hand cast and applied, and finally, decoration is applied by hand by lithographic transfers, hand enameling, or hand gilding.

Quick Facts

• Gold and platinum etched designs are among the most sought after Aynsley china
• A pair of late 19th century Aynsley china dessert plates sold at Bonhams Oxford in May 2004 for $426
• An Aynsley china part tea service from the '50s sold at Christie's London in February 2006 for $208