@article{ART003308806},
author={Daebo Kim},
title={The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints},
journal={Korean Review of French History},
issn={1229-702X},
year={2026},
number={54},
pages={133-161}
TY - JOUR
AU - Daebo Kim
TI - The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints
JO - Korean Review of French History
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 54
PB - KOREAN SOCIETY FOR FRENCH HISTORY
SP - 133
EP - 161
SN - 1229-702X
AB - The discovery of kaolin marked a major turning point in the French porcelain industry, as it provided the material foundation necessary for producing hard-paste porcelain comparable to that of China and Meissen. This breakthrough resulted from a combination of scientific analysis, administrative efforts, and contingent circumstances. The Royal Manufactory of Sèvres successfully utilized this resource to improve production techniques and expand output. However, its impact did not immediately translate into regional economic development. Although Limoges was the site of the kaolin deposits, it did not emerge as an industrial center comparable to Sèvres. While kaolin was celebrated as “white gold”, its value was primarily realized within the framework of state authority and the royal manufacturing system, rather than fostering autonomous regional industrial growth. Thus, the late eighteenth century may be understood as a transitional period in which the potential of the hard-paste porcelain industry was revealed but remained constrained by structural limitations.
KW - kaolin;porcelain;Limoges;Sèvres;Turgot
DO -
UR -
ER -
Daebo Kim. (2026). The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints. Korean Review of French History, 54, 133-161.
Daebo Kim. 2026, "The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints", Korean Review of French History, no.54, pp.133-161.
Daebo Kim "The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints" Korean Review of French History 54 pp.133-161 (2026) : 133.
Daebo Kim. The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints. 2026; 54 : 133-161.
Daebo Kim. "The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints" Korean Review of French History no.54(2026) : 133-161.
Daebo Kim. The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints. Korean Review of French History, 54, 133-161.
Daebo Kim. The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints. Korean Review of French History. 2026; 54 133-161.
Daebo Kim. The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints. 2026; 54 : 133-161.
Daebo Kim. "The Discovery of Kaolin in 1768 and the French Porcelain Industry: Between Potential and Structural Constraints" Korean Review of French History no.54(2026) : 133-161.
