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On tables around the world, people often refer to exquisite porcelain as “china”. Although this name is now widely accepted, many people may not have a deep understanding of why dinnerware, especially porcelain, is called “china”? Behind this name, there are deep historical origins and cultural stories. Let’s explore the origin of this unique name together.
The Origin and Development of Chinese Porcelain
China is described as the “hometown of porcelain”. And the history of China’s ceramic craft can be dated back to thousands of years. The earliest product of ceramics was traceable to the Neolithic Age, and it was until around BC that the invention of porcelain gradually took shape.
Through unremitting exploration and improvement for generations, the porcelain craft in China has formed a highly developed pottery-making technology, and particularly the firing technology of high-temperature porcelain, making the appearance and texture of porcelain reach unprecedented exquisiteness. In the Song and Yuan dynasties, porcelain firing reached its peak and produced a host of breathtaking works, including blue and white porcelain and pastel porcelain.
The Influence of Chinese Porcelain in the West
Porcelain was introduced to the West through trade routes-one such being the Silk Road-since the Han Dynasty and quickly gained popularity in medieval Europe. Porcelain not only won the favor of European nobles with its fine craftsmanship and unique design, but rather, it was an item to show status and wealth in those times.
At that time, even the obsession in porcelain had reached an unprecedented level in Europe. The special glaze color, pattern, and delicate texture make people appreciate Chinese porcelain. Every European noble and rich man treats it as a treasure in his home and competes to collect it. Later on, Westerners directly called porcelain “China”, representing the exquisite utensils from the distant East.
“China” in Modern Tableware
With history developing, “china” has become synonymous with porcelain; even nowadays, many countries still retain this name. In particular, high-end ceramics and exquisite tableware are usually considered “china”. Chinese ceramic products have always been famous for their delicate texture, lasting brightness, and super craftsmanship.
They have become an important part of the high-end table-setting market around the world. This name allows us to remember the distant past of porcelain and symbolizes the serious influence of Chinese handicrafts on modern tableware denotation.
A Sign of Cultural Exchange
From the Silk Road to today’s global trade, the name “china” for porcelain not only witnessed the cultural collision and integration of the East and West but also symbolized the profound influence of porcelain in the world. When people enjoy the exquisiteness of “china” all over the world today, it is not just one piece of tableware but a cultural communication symbol and a crystallization of thousands-of-year inheritance.
About Yongjian Ceramics
As one of the professional porcelain tableware manufacturers from China, Yongjian Ceramics has been devoted to manufacturing high-quality porcelain tableware. We offer different kinds of wholesale porcelain tableware, including tableware needed in restaurants, hotels, and banquets.
With abundant experience and creative designs, we are committed to perfectly integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Welcome to buy our wholesale dinnerware and feel the excellent quality of Chinese porcelain.
As a 30+ years ceramic dinnerware manufacturer, Yongjian Ceramics is dedicated to providing you with premium wholesale ceramic tableware.
