Roca Editorial 2007

For centuries, the formula for making porcelain was one of China’s greatest secrets. No one in Europe knew how to make it, and whoever succeeded would become immensely rich.

In 1707, Damián Ossorio, a porcelain merchant based in Manila, was commissioned by the King of Spain to steal the secret of porcelain.

At the same time, Johann Frederick Böttger, an alchemist working for Augustus II of Saxony, made a remarkable discovery in his laboratory at Albrechtsburg Castle. His finding would forever change trade relations between old Europe and the Celestial Empire—and also the life of Damián Ossorio.

A novel that tells the incredible story of two men vying to uncover the porcelain formula, one of the greatest mysteries of the 18th century.