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China (Porcelain)

1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

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The common name for ware made of porcelain, given because it came from China, where the first vitrified, translucent, white ware was produced. The Portuguese or Italians gave it the name of "porcelain" (q.v.). English usage was influenced by India and the East, where the Persian chini was widely prevalent as the name of the ware. This is seen also in some of the earlier forms and pronunciations, e.g. chiney, cheney, and later charley (see Ceramics; and for "china-clay" Kaolin).