porcelain etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: porcelaine
  • Italian: porcellana
  • Latin: porcellus (piglet)

Meaning and Origin:

The term "porcelain" originally referred to translucent, lustrous ceramics with a smooth, glassy surface that resembled the skin of a piglet (Latin: porcellus). This resemblance was noted in the 13th century by Italian travelers visiting China, where porcelain had been developed centuries earlier.

In China, porcelain was made from a special type of clay called kaolin. When fired at high temperatures, the clay vitrified, becoming non-porous and translucent. The Chinese also developed a glaze, a thin layer of molten glass, which gave porcelain its characteristic shiny surface.

The Chinese kept the secrets of porcelain-making closely guarded, but by the 16th century, the technology had spread to Europe. In the 18th century, German artisans began producing porcelain at the Meissen factory, which became famous for its high-quality ceramics.

Today, porcelain is still used to make a wide variety of products, including tableware, vases, figurines, and tiles. It is prized for its beauty, durability, and versatility.

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