The word ‘crockery” is a broad term that refers to tableware of various types; this includes all of the items found on the table at mealtimes including bone china mugs. Crockery as a term can embrace all the various forms of dishware such as dinner plates, dessert plates, bowls cups and saucers as well as serving items such as platters and gravy boats.
Crockery, by tradition, is any dinnerware that uses natural materials. This will include all sorts of dinnerware that is made from clay, with or without added ingredients such as bone ash, which has been molded, fired in a kiln and prepared for everyday use. This definition technically embraces fine china, porcelain and bone china mugs but in reality, the term is used to define dinnerware that is used daily in more casual situations.
As crockery by definition is dinnerware made from natural material, modern dinnerware made from synthetic materials is omitted. Dishes that are made from plastic or other synthetics, although difficult to break and perform the same function cannot truly be classifies as crockery. As with many things, new materials and methodology creep into products which have a historic definition and as these synthetic products become more common they are beginning to meet the basic definition of crockery. Although this may be a fact, in the eyes of the purist this type of dinnerware will never be classified as crockery.
Basic crockery is rarely exotic; it is simple, basic and utilitarian in design. Of course there are exceptions to the rule but generally speaking basic crockery is devoid of any decoration other than perhaps a simple annular stripe around the perimeter. Bone china mugs on the other hand usually do feature beautiful designs.
Basic crockery does not require any type of special handling; it can be loaded into a dishwasher with no damage. The manufacture of clay crockery is such that it is durable and can hold up against the rigors of everyday use.
Crockery tends to be heavier than bone china. Although it is heavier and plainer in most cases, it still can make an attractive table setting. The lack of design makes it an ideal choice to feature accessories such as woven place mats and hot plates.
