The Hidden Animal Products in Ceramic Production
Most ceramics, such as earthenware and stoneware, are naturally vegan, as their main components are mineral-based clays. However, certain types of fine ceramics and specific production methods incorporate animal-derived products, intentionally or not. The most notorious example is bone china, but other animal products can find their way into glazes and tools.
Bone Ash in China and Porcelain
The most significant and well-known non-vegan ingredient is bone ash, a key component in bone china.
- What is it? Bone ash is made from the bones of animals, typically cows, which are heated to a high temperature and ground into a fine white powder.
- Why is it used? The addition of bone ash gives bone china its characteristic milky-white color, translucency, and durability. Traditional bone china must contain at least 25% bone ash, with some varieties containing up to 50%.
- The vegan alternative: For a vegan-friendly option, opt for regular porcelain, which is made from a mineral-based mixture of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. Some modern manufacturers also produce "new bone china" using synthetic calcium phosphate to replicate the properties of real bone china without using animal bones.
Animal-Derived Glazes and Finishes
While most ceramic glazes are mineral-based, some traditional or specialty finishes may contain animal products. Shellac, a resin secreted by the female lac insect, is sometimes used as a resist to create decorative patterns. Beeswax might also be used in finishes, particularly for unfired or decorative pieces. To be certain, always look for glazes specifically labeled as vegan or cruelty-free.
Tools and Equipment
Animal products can also be present in the potter's studio, used for shaping and finishing.
- Natural Sponges: Marine sponges, which are animals harvested from the sea, are prized for their softness and used for finishing work. Vegan alternatives, such as synthetic or cellulose sponges, are readily available.
- Leather and Chamois: Soft chamois leather, typically made from goat skin, is used for burnishing pottery to a shiny texture or smoothing the rim of a pot on the wheel. A piece of soft plastic or a smooth stone can be used as a vegan substitute.
- Brushes: Some brushes used for applying glazes are made with animal hair, such as goat hair (in Hake brushes) or weasel fur (in Kolinsky sable brushes). Synthetic or nylon brushes are effective and cruelty-free alternatives.
How to Tell if Your Ceramic is Vegan
There are several ways to investigate a ceramic piece to determine if it is vegan-friendly, from simple at-home tests to more rigorous research.
The Translucency Test for Bone China
This is a reliable way to check for the presence of bone ash in fine china.
- Take the ceramic piece into a dimly lit room.
- Hold the piece up to a bright light source, such as a strong flashlight or phone torch.
- Place your hand behind the ceramic.
- Result: If the ceramic is bone china, the light will pass through it, and you will be able to see the silhouette of your hand. A vegan-friendly porcelain will appear more opaque and will not allow light to pass through.
Research the Brand and Manufacturer
For new items, the easiest way to ensure a ceramic piece is vegan is to purchase from a brand that explicitly states its products are vegan. Many ethical brands provide transparency about their materials and production processes.
- Manufacturer Websites: Check the company's official website for an FAQ section or a page detailing their commitment to sustainability and vegan practices.
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS): For raw clay and glaze materials, the manufacturer's SDS, often found online, lists all ingredients. Look for bone ash or other animal-derived components.
Consult the Seller
If buying from an artisan or craft market, don't hesitate to ask the maker directly. Many independent potters are transparent about their materials and practices.
Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Ceramic Identification
To help you make an informed decision, here is a comparison of common ceramic types and their vegan status.
| Feature | Bone China (Non-Vegan) | Porcelain (Often Vegan) | Earthenware / Stoneware (Almost Always Vegan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Milky white and translucent; light passes through it. | Bright white and opaque; no light passes through. | Opaque and can be a variety of colors, depending on the type of clay. |
| Ingredients | Contains bone ash (at least 25%), kaolin, feldspar, and quartz. | Made from kaolin, feldspar, and quartz; no bone ash. | Made from mineral clays, including ball clay, kaolin, and silica. |
| Finishings | May use bone-ash-containing glazes. | Typically uses mineral glazes, but some finishes might contain shellac or beeswax. | Glazes are typically mineral-based. Check for non-vegan resists like shellac. |
| Tools | Historically and often still made with leather or marine sponge tools. | Typically made with synthetic tools, but verify with the manufacturer. | Commonly made with synthetic or wooden tools. Check with artisan makers. |
| Identifying Tip | Perform the light translucency test. | Use the weight test—it's generally heavier than bone china. | Ask the artisan or check the manufacturer's details. |
Conclusion
Understanding how to know if ceramic is vegan requires paying close attention to specific material ingredients and production methods. While most common ceramic types like earthenware and stoneware are inherently vegan, the elegant appearance of bone china is a clear indicator of non-vegan origins due to its use of animal bone ash. Beyond the material itself, a truly vegan ceramic item must also be created without animal-derived tools like marine sponges or chamois leather. By checking for translucency, reading manufacturer information, and directly asking artisans, consumers can confidently choose cruelty-free ceramics that align with their ethical values.
References
- P&T Royal Ware, "Is Bone China Vegan The Fine Dinnerware," [Online].
- The Vegan Potter, "Making Vegan Pottery," [Online].
- SIO-2®, "Is ceramics a vegan product?", [Online].
- Vegan First, "Q&A: Bone China," [Online].
- Oxford Clay, "What are 'vegan' ceramics?", [Online].
- Anders & White, "Did you know that Bone China actually contains Bone?", [Online].
