The term “china” has been used to describe fine, high-quality dinnerware and porcelain for century of years. But have you ever wondering why? Why is china dinnerware called china?
Is it just because it made from China, or just a nickname, or does it have deeper historical roots?
If you are interested in this question, then continue reading this article, let’s explore where is this term come from, and why is china dinnerware called china?
1. The Term “China” Comes Directly From Its Country of Origin
That’s right, the most direct and important reason why porcelain is called “china” is because it originated in China. Just like champagne from Champagne or parmesan from Parma, the product was named after its place of origin.
Archaeological evidence (cited from the “Cambridge Illustrated History of China”) indicates that China was the first place to produce porcelain, and by the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Chinese craftsmen had already mastered the early techniques of high-temperature firing of porcelain. This skill was perfected during the Song and Ming dynasties, and for nearly 1800 years, China was the only place capable of producing true porcelain.
Because porcelain originated in China, early European merchants simply referred to it as “china” when they brought it to Europe for trade.
2. The Word "China" Better Reflects the Value of Porcelain.
In the early days, porcelain was a high-value luxury export commodity. When European merchants first saw these porcelain items, they considered them exotic, of exceptional quality, and a truly wondrous product. Furthermore, because Europe at the time lacked the technology to replicate porcelain, Chinese-made porcelain was considered a symbol of wealth by the nobility. According to the Wikipedia entry on porcelain, China dominated porcelain production and the global export market for centuries. Therefore, any item made of porcelain was referred to as “china,” not only indicating its origin but, more importantly, highlighting its preciousness and quality.
3. Out of Habit and Reverence
Another reason why the term “china” has continued to be used is out of habit and reverence for Chinese porcelain culture.
For centuries, European potters had been trying to replicate Chinese porcelain. Before Europe mastered kaolin clay and high-temperature firing techniques, local potters could only use inferior materials such as earthenware and soft-paste porcelain.
Famous European ceramic centers today, such as Meissen (Germany), Sèvres (France), and Wedgwood (England), were all established after the discovery of kaolin deposits in Europe in the 18th century. Before that, all fine porcelain could only be obtained through import (mainly from China). Therefore, even after Europeans began producing their own porcelain, out of habit and reverence for Chinese culture, they continued to use the word “china” to refer to porcelain.
4. "China" Officially Becomes Synonymous With "Porcelain"
By the 18th and 19th centuries, the word “china” entered everyday English vocabulary as a general term for porcelain tableware. In dictionaries of the time, including Samuel Johnson’s *Dictionary of the English Language*, “china” was defined as “fine porcelain, originally from China.” Since then, “china” has officially become synonymous with porcelain, receiving an official definition that has been used ever since.
5. “China” vs. “Porcelain”: Are They the Same?
In modern usage, “porcelain” is more of the technical term and “china” is more of the cultural or traditional term. And yes, in most of the condition they still refer the same, and can be used as a replacement for each other. Especially in the catering industry, you can a porcelain dinnerware as china dinnerware, that make no difference. However, for some other types of porcelain products, you may encounter a small number of people who do not agree with the term “china.”
Since they are refer the same, so porcelain dinnerware and china dinnerware share the same characteristics:
- Made from kaolin, feldspar, and quartz
- High-fired (1200–1400°C)
- Strong yet thin
- Translucent when held to light
- Resistant to thermal shock
- Low water absorption
6. “China” Also Represents Excellence Craftsmanship
Besides being synonymous with porcelain, the word “China” also represents quality and craftsmanship in the minds of most of buyers. As the country with the longest history of porcelain production, China has had a profound influence on ceramics and is a representative of quality and craftsmanship in the industry. Therefore, the term “china” is associated with top-quality porcelain worldwide.
Examples of top-quality Chinese porcelain include:
- Jingdezhen kilns
- Ming dynasty blue-and-white porcelain
- Qing dynasty famille-rose masterpieces
These all represent the highest level of porcelain craftsmanship globally, setting a quality benchmark that other countries strive to emulate. In the ceramics industry, even exquisite porcelain produced elsewhere is often referred to as “china” to highlight its quality and superior craftsmanship.
Summary: Why Is China Dinnerware Called “China”?
Simply put, the reason why china dinnerware is called “China” is primarily because it originated in China. Therefore, it was given the name “china” by European merchants in the early days, and due to its long history and culture, as well as its superior quality and craftsmanship, the name has been continuously used as a synonym for high-quality porcelain.
