Frit porcelain
A type of porcelain with added frit for special luster and plasticity
Frit porcelain is a rare but technologically curious type of ceramics. Its feature is the use of frit, i.e., a mixture of melted and then ground glass, which is added to the body composition before firing. This gives the product increased strength and a characteristic glossy surface.
Such a material appeared in Europe in the 17th century when craftsmen tried to replicate the secrets of Chinese porcelain. Frit served as a kind of “chemical trick”: it lowered the melting temperature and allowed achieving translucency without complex technologies.
Frit porcelains were especially valued in Meissen and Sèvres — they emitted a soft “milky” light and had a refined sound upon touch. Some collectors even checked authenticity by tapping a cup — a clear ring indicated a true frit composition.