Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
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
Elda Creations Limoges France Porcelain US Passport w Letter Insert Keepsake Box
Located in Dayton, OH
Late 20th century Elda Creations limited edition hand painted Limoges porcelain trinket / keepsake box in the shape of a blue and gold United States passport book with a miniature "L...
Category
Late 20th Century French Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$148 Sale Price
20% Off
Six Cups with Saucers, Theresienthal, Bohemia c. 1900
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceedingly rare set of six cups with saucers, whose beauty captures both the eye and the imagination. The hand-blown opaline glass cups are shaped as delicate tulip blossoms, the...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Porcelain
Materials
Enamel
Gien “Fraises en Folie” Set of 6 Hand-Painted Porcelain Plates, France 1985
By Gien
Located in Bochum, NRW
Gien “Fraises en Folie” – Set of 6 Hand-Painted Dessert Plates, Each with Unique Historic Border, France.
An extraordinary collector’s edition from *Gien, France, this six-piece *“Fr...
Category
Vintage 1980s French Post-Modern Porcelain
Materials
Faience, Porcelain
A superb pair of Flight, Barr & Barr Worcester Porcelain Topographical Vases
Located in Exeter, GB
A superb and large pair of Flight, Barr and Barr Worcester porcelain vases c.1820. Of Campana form, with gilded gadrooned rims, each vase very finely painted with topographical views...
Category
Antique 19th Century British Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Japanese Scalloped Imari Plate
Located in Pearland, TX
A wonderful 19th century antique Imari plate with a reticulated edge. Featuring vibrant oranges, blues, and green. The center of the plate depicts a hand-painted spray of flowers and...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Japonisme Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain, Paint
Bavaria, Germany. Porcelain tray. Blue Onion-patterned. Printed decoration.
Located in København, Copenhagen
PRE-OWNED GOODS ARE EXEMPT FROM IMPORT TARIFFS FOR U.S., UK, AUSTRALIAN & CANADIAN CUSTOMERS.
THEREFORE, NO IMPORT TARIFFS WILL BE APPLICABLE TO YOUR PURCHASE.
Bavaria, Germany....
Category
Mid-20th Century German Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain