True porcelain is a very hard ceramic produced when a special clay (kaolin) is fired at high temperatures and under very controlled conditions. The result is a white and translucent product, with a lovely silken patina. Porcelain pieces may be coated with chemical glazes before firing, which results in beautiful solid or patterned colors. They can also be fired, hand-painted and re-fired to produce objects with enchanting and intricate oriental scenes and designs.