Thanks for the translation. I have Neuwirth's book, but have not always paid careful attention to some details—particularly those that are only in German.

I think this is an incomplete exposition in many respects. However, I believe there are other treatments that are more comprehensive.

It does not take (much) into account that the process was devised by Richard Prosser in England, for button-making, and later adapted to beadmaking elsewhere. ("Prosser" should always be capitalized—being a proper name.)

"Porcelain" is a glassy ceramic. A compound of clay (white kaolin) with either pulverized feldspar or actual glass added to it (as well as colorants). In fusing, the feldspar essentially becomes "glass"—and this is what provides additional strength and translucency.

So, it's not surprising nor unacceptable that the material for Prosser beads should be compared to porcelain or equated with it. Neuwirth's exposition does not stress the clay content, and instead concentrates on the feldspar. It would be easy to think that Prosser beads are "made from feldspar," due to his presentation. But, in fact, the material is a compounded substance.

I suspect an 18th century date for early mass-produced "porcelain" beads may be mistaken. These are merely earlier than Prosser beads. But not 100 years earlier. Reference to historical journals, where porcelain beads (and/or artifacts) were forcibly exchanged for native (local) products would be instructive as to when all this took place. I am thinking of the imitation white shell "beads"—that (possibly) were used as money or as "stores of value" (not necessarily actual currency). Some of these products were not formed from sheeted clay in a doughy state, but rather were slip-molded from a slurry. So they are products of a porcelain industry, but not like the Prosser industry.

I suspect "streetmass" could be indicated for "commonplace" or "ordinary"—as we might say it in English. I'd guess that "stonemass" indicates a somewhat higher quality of material.

The inclusion of milk and/or casein in formulas is interesting. I imagine this means that the fusing process was VERY stinky (!).

Once again "pressing" might be better rendered as "molding," to make an important beadmaking distinction.

The piece of prepared clay that is called a "plate," might be better called a "sheet."

By the way, a ceramic artist, Howard Newcomb, in the Portland, OR area, is celebrated for his line of colored ceramic beads, made similarly to Prosser beads, using equipment that he devised and produced himself. But I don't think the clay was enhanced with anything glassy. I met Howard quite a few years ago. He also took a Fimo beadmaking class with me, and eventually made ceramic folded beads (as an experiment). Plus, he produced an impressive line of beautiful chevron beads from colored (ceramic) clay. (See the link below.) There is a very good article on his work and processes in Ornament magazine.

Jamey