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
German Hausmalerei for Meissen Porcelain Pedestal Dish & Cover 18th C.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very rare and stunning German Hausmalerei (home painted) porcelain dish and cover hand-painted with insects and flowers dating from the 18th century.
Hausmalerei refers to blank ...
Category
Antique 18th Century German Rococo Revival Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Vintage Trompe L'Oeil Basket of Eggs by Este
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Very fine Trompe L'Oeil basket of eggs by Este.
This rare piece was made in Italy in the 20th Century. Very realistic three-dimensional form.
Category
20th Century Italian 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
$105 / item
Porcelain Constantinople 6 Plate
By Les Ottomans
Located in Milan, IT
This magnificent porcelain plate was designed by Vito Nesta and inspired by the Ottoman empire and its capital. It is part of a limited series of six plates that can be mismatched ob...
Category
2010s Italian Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
$105 / item
Rosenthal Versace “Barocco” Creamer / Milk Jug with Gold Accents
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This luxurious Rosenthal Versace “Barocco” creamer (milk jug) showcases the unmistakable opulence of the Versace aesthetic. Designed in collaboration with Rosenthal, the piece is ado...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary German Modern Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain
Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Red Cabbage Tureen and Cover
Located in Downingtown, PA
Botanical Jewel: Rare Marcolini Meissen Porcelain Red Cabbage Tureen
Origin: Meissen, Germany Period: Marcolini Era (Late 18th Century, c. 1774–1814) Material: Hard-Paste Porcelai...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century German Rococo Porcelain
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain


