metaalporselein

Metaalporselein is a Dutch term used to describe porcelain ware finished with metallic decorations or rendered with metallic components in the glaze, producing a reflective or lustrous surface. The term is not always used consistently in museum catalogues, and its exact meaning can vary by context.

Techniques commonly associated with metaalporselein include lustre glazes applied to the surface or integrated into the glaze body, sometimes after the first firing. Metallic pigments or oxides such as copper, iron, gold, or silver are used to create metallic tones and iridescence. The technique often requires a second firing at specific temperatures to fix the metallic effect, and can range from subtle shimmer to rich gold or copper tones.

Historical usage: In Dutch and European ceramic literature, metaalporselein has been used to describe late medieval to modern pieces that exhibit metal-based decoration on porcelain. The practice is linked to broader traditions of lustreware, which originated in the medieval Islamic world and was transmitted to Europe, where it influenced porcelain decoration in various factories. The term's usage varies among museums and scholars.

Significance: Metaalporselein illustrates the technological and aesthetic intersections between porcelain production and metal decoration, reflecting tastes for luxury and innovation in ceramic art.

See also: lustreware, gilding, overglaze decoration, underglaze decoration.