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
Important Meissen Porcelain Figural Clock Group on Original Marked Plinth
Located in Lisse, NL
Crossed Swords with Star • Late 18th Century Porcelain • Museum Quality.
An exceptional and highly important Meissen porcelain figural clock group, representing one of the manufacto...
Category
Antique 18th Century German Rococo Table Clocks and Desk Clocks
Materials
Enamel, Brass
$55,032 / item
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Antique Haviland Limoges French Chocolate Pot w/ Pink Rose Motif & Ribbon Handle
Located in Savannah, GA
This lovely late 19th century large Haviland & Co Limoges porcelain chocolate pot features a tall scalloped base and upper edge, whimsical ribbon shaped handle, and hand painted sprigs of pink garden roses with gilded details throughout.
The green underglaze mark "Haviland France" indicates the plate was manufactured by Haviland & Co. in Limoges, France.
The red overglaze mark "Haviland & Co. Limoges FOR HOWELL-DOHRMANN CO OAKLAND CAL." indicates that the item was made specifically for the Howell-Dohrmann Co. retailer in Oakland, California, a prominent retailer in Oakland, California, which commissioned items like Haviland Limoges China...
Category
Antique 1890s French Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Piero Fornasetti Conchiglie Pattern Plate with Sea Anemones and Shells
Located in Downingtown, PA
Marine Whimsy: Vintage Piero Fornasetti "Conchiglie" (Shells) Plate #11
Circa 1960–1970
A vibrant and whimsical vintage porcelain plate designed by Piero Fornasetti, featuring the ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Piero Fornasetti Grandi Maestri Gold Gilt Portrait Italian Porcelain Plate Verdi
Located in San Diego, CA
Fantastic vintage mid 20th century Piero Fornasetti decorative porcelain art plate from the "Grandi Maestri" or "Great Masters" series featuring a portrait of opera composer Giusepp...
Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Porcelain Constantinople 5 Plate
By Les Ottomans
Located in Milan, IT
Inspired by the lavished elegance of the Ottoman empire, this porcelain plate is part of a limited series of 100 pieces and six different designs, each paying homage to an aspect of ...
Category
2010s Italian Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$110 / item
Antique Japanese Nippon Moriage Porcelain Vase Signed C1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
Antique Japanese Nippon Moriage Porcelain Vase Signed C1920
Measures - 12 1/4" x 8 1/4" x 6"
This antique Japanese Nippon Moriage porcelain vase, d...
Category
Early 20th Century Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$760 Sale Price
20% Off