Porcelain is a type of ceramic material that is characterized by its high-quality finish and translucence when held to the light. The origins of porcelain can be traced back to China, where it was first developed during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). At that time, it was known as "white gold" due to its rarity and beauty.

The first true porcelain was made by a process that involved mixing kaolin, a type of clay, with feldspar and bone ash to create a material that was strong, durable, and resistant to chipping and cracking. The development of porcelain was a closely guarded secret in China, and it was not until the 16th and 17th centuries that the process was finally discovered by European ceramic makers.

In Europe, porcelain became a highly prized material and was used to make a wide range of decorative and functional objects, such as vases, plates, and figurines. Some of the most famous porcelain manufacturers of the time include the Royal Porcelain Factory in Meissen, Germany and the Sèvres factory in France.

Today, porcelain remains a popular material for making fine china, as well as for use in other applications such as dentistry and engineering. It is highly valued for its durability, strength, and beauty, and continues to be made using similar techniques as those used in ancient China.