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Why is porcelain called china?
1 Answer

The explanation for why porcelain is called china comes down to the origins of the material. Chinese artisans were responsible for first developing porcelain and introduced it to Europe in the 17th century. As a result, many people refer to pieces produced out of the material as "china." Find a wide range of porcelain tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
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Shop for Porcelain on 1stDibs
19th Century Signed Meissen Porcelain Artwork
Located in Roma, IT
A wonderful late 19th-Century Meissen blue onion square hand painted porcelain dish.
Printed and impressed "Meissen" mark on reverse.
This fine blue onion platter exhibits excellen...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century German Louis XV Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Fleming Joffe Porcelain Plate- Python A La Orange
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Fleming Joffe Porcelain Recipe Plate,
Python A La Orange,
1960s.
This rare Piero Fornasetti porcelain plate is from a series of fourteen made for the Fleming Joffe ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain "Cook" Pattern Dinner Plate, Cobra a L'Indienne
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Porcelain Cook Pattern Plate,
Cobra a L'Indienne,
Made for Fleming Joffe,
1967-1974
From a set of fourteen, We have an example of eah of the different plates made ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain
46-Piece Dinner Set - Raynaud Limoges - Decorated with Flowers - Complete Set
By Limoges
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A beautiful porcelain dinner service, complete for 12 people, made by the French brand Raynaud Limoges.
The service is beautifully decorated with flowers and gold edges.
The composit...
Category
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$1,767 / set
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Set of 4 French Limoges Porcelain Playing Card Themed Dishes/Ashrays C1960s
By Limoges
Located in Trensacq, FR
Charming set of 4 vintage playing card-themed trinket dishes/ashtrays from Limoges, France circa 1950.
Four gilded 'Gout de Ville' porcelain dishes in heart, diamond, spade and c...
Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Oriente Italiano Iris Set Of 4 Coasters
Located in Milan, IT
Set of 4 Iris porcelain coasters from Oriente Italiano Collection. This set of four floral motif coasters with The lustrous pure gold trim accentuates the beauty of the Iris blue dec...
Category
2010s Italian Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$253 / item