A very fine, hard, translucent, white ceramic invented in China in the 8th century CE. The secrets of porcelain production were not discovered in Europe until the early 18th century, when European porcelain production was pioneered at the Meissen factory in Saxony (modern Germany).  Web resource here.  See also: blue-and-white wares, Kakiemon, moon jar.

Meissen porcelain tea bowl and saucer. 1725. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.