Artists displaying their wares at library

The Nevada Association of Porcelain Artists will display its artwork in the lobby of the Carson City Library this month.

The collection includes everything from an antique Japanese piece predating World War II to those recently completed by local artists. Mary Ann Burt, president of the 24-member group, said this is a labor of love for her.

"We're painting heirlooms, something we'll hand down to our children," she said.

Holding a flowered pitcher trimmed in gold, she described the process.

"We start with a white porcelain piece that's already glazed, putting the paint on in layers and firing it in a kiln between applications," she said. "The pieces are usually fired four to five times."

The process was developed by Chinese artists during the Ming Dynasty, around 1400 A.D. and perfected during the next, K'ang-Hsi Dynasty.

Around 1600, European trade with China increased, as did the desire for fine porcelain pieces. The art was imitated in Italy and later France, Austria, Denmark, Germany and England.

Following several unsuccessful attempts in the 1700s in the United States, a porcelain plant was established in Cincinnati in 1880. China painting was traditionally handed down from mother to daughter in this country, but Burt said she learned from a Lake Tahoe instructor in the 1970s. She produces between 15 and 20 pieces a year.

The association meets every third Friday at the Lampe Park educational offices in Gardnerville, and some members give lessons. For information, call Joan Frank at 883-5854.

Contact Susie Vasquez at svasquez@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.