Top 10 China tours 2023/2024 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
The 7 Top Uses of Chinese Porcelain - Historic and Modern

The 7 Top Uses of Chinese Porcelain - Historic and Modern

Written by Fercility JiangUpdated Aug. 24, 2023
Chinese porcelainChinese porcelain

The 7 main uses of china in China and overseas have been: 1) crockery and stationery,2) decoration, 3) ornaments and collectables, 4)Chinese exports, 5)diplomatic gifts, 6) ceremonial ware, and 7) insulators, fixtures, and dentistry.

Since the invention of porcelain in imperial China, around 2,000 years ago, it was instantly accepted as the better alternative to pottery, and applied in ever-widening fields. Porcelain seems to be endowed with endless vitality.

1. Daily Use Items

With obvious advantages over pottery, such as toughness and durability, porcelain was accepted by people rapidly and soon became a necessity.

The most common porcelain pieces are crockery: bowls, plates, tea sets, etc. These porcelain items improved people's lives vastly, especially eating and drinking.

Another daily use of porcelain was stationery items. In imperial China, most scholars had a preference for elegant porcelain-made stationery, such as penholders and paperweights.

2. Decoration

Porcelain House in TianjinPorcelain House in Tianjin

Porcelain was also an ideal decorative material, due to its durable, graceful texture and beautiful colors. In imperial times, people used porcelain tiles in their houses as decoration, and durable, easily-cleanable surfaces, especially where water was used.

In the 17th century, the King of Portugal used about 260 pieces of exquisite Chinese porcelain to decorate the ceiling of his Santos Palace.

In modern times, porcelain's application (or ceramics) has been extended to the majority of tiling: floors, walls (most floors and even external walls are tiled in China), work surfaces, sills, ledges, shelves, and even some roof tiles.

3. Collections

Since its invention, durable, elegantly-shaped, and exquisite porcelain items were considered as good collectors' items.

Antique Chinese porcelain, which may be hundreds of years old always grabs the attention of porcelain enthusiasts. Not only in China, but also thousands of miles away in the West, porcelain collectors display everything from ornaments to tableware.

4. The No. 1 Chinese Export Product

Chinese export porcelainChinese export porcelain

As early as the late Han era (25–220 AD), Chinese porcelain was sold to western Asia through the Silk Road, though its manufacture remained almost exclusively Chinese.

This kind of magical Chinese product became fashionable rapidly along the route. More and more foreign merchants traded with Chinese to purchase the exquisite porcelain, which in turn led to trade in other commodities.

From the Song Dynasty (960–1279), Chinese ceramics were exported in large quantities, thanks to the prosperous maritime trade.

5. Diplomatic Gifts

In medieval China, Chinese porcelain technology was the best in the world and was sought after by people worldwide. Hence, many Chinese emperors would present exquisite porcelain pieces as gifts for ambassadors.

6. Ritual Uses

SancaiTang Sancai

In China, sacrificial vessels like incense burners, used on special occasions such as worship ceremonies, were mostly made of porcelain.

Porcelain was also made into burial items. Sancai ('three colors') was a type of porcelain in the Tang Dynasty (618–907), mainly used for burial objects and tomb figures.

7. Extended Applications in Today

Today, porcelain's application has been extended to various fields.

In electronics, porcelain (and ceramic derivatives) is widely used for insulating material due to its excellent non-conductivity.

In building, porcelain is an excellent impermeable, easy-clean building material, not only for tiles (see above),but also the first-choice for sinks and W/C fittings (toilets, urinals, etc.).

In medicine, porcelain is used in dentistry for caps/crowns, also known as "porcelain jackets".

Popular tours
Make the most of your time
Choose the best time to visit
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on