Throughout the 16th century, low fire earthenware remained the most common type of ceramic in Europe and the Middle East.
Around 600 CE, Chinese potters introduced high-temperature kilns and developed porcelain from kaolin clay, which is also known as China clay. This opened up possibilities for less porous and much stronger ceramic vessels. Throughout the 16th century, low fire earthenware remained the most common type of ceramic in Europe and the Middle East. It was not until the Middle Ages that trade through the Silk Road allowed for the introduction of porcelain and high-temperature kilns throughout Islamic countries and Europe.