[Half Life]

I don't disagree, but the second image also has much higher contrast as you can see really strong highlights and deep shadows on the outside of the cups as well.

Like I said it's not "really" ceramic because ceramic is a complex material that would take a long time to render clear in Maxwell -- this is a simplified version that will give useable results in similar lighting circumstances within a reasonable timeframe.

Best,
Jason.

[Bubbaloo]

Do you think that the SSS component of the real ceramic may have something to do with the inside of the cups being brighter? I think it may make a huge difference.

[Half Life]

I do too, but it would probably triple the render time to get a usable result -- I know you and I are willing to wait for superior results, but I have noticed very few other users are.

Best,
Jason.

[bLAZER76]

I think so too. Because even if I place a big light close exactly on top of the cups they still are too dark inside.

[Half Life]

If you want to try SSS here is a relatively simple and moderately fast rendering SSS version.

Best,
Jason.

[eric nixon]

porcelain requires sss to look right

[Mihai]

Are you sure the scene scale is correct? Please post a scene with one cup if you can. Try making a plastic with the wizard but set the white lower, about 225.