CHINA  , the

common name for ware made of porcelain, given because it came from China, where the first vitrified, translucent, white ware was produced . The Portuguese or Italians gave it the name of " porcelain " (q.v.) . English usage was influenced by India and the East, where the Persian chin was widely prevalent as the name of the ware . This is seen also in some of the earlier forms and pronunciations, e.g. chiney, cheney, and later chancy (see CERAMICS; and for " china-clay " KAOLIN) .