A description of what porcelain is and how it differs from other ceramics, such as terracotta, stonewares, majolica, celadons and tin-glazed delftware, is followed by a review of the chemical analyses of its composition and of the pigments used in its decoration. A survey of the earliest Chinese porcelains from the Tang and Yuan Dynasties is made, and their importation into Europe. along with spices and silks, by the British Honourable East India CompanyHonourable East India Company (HEIC) and Dutch VOC, with their Portuguese Casa da India and Swedish analogues, from the seventeenth century, from the earliest blue-and-white to later polychrome decoration. Attempts were made in Europe to produce a viable alternative for this commodity, which was much in demand by the aristocracy and wealthy merchant classes. First European Medici porcelainMedici porcelain from the Duke of TuscanyDuke of Tuscany at Florence to later manufactories at Fulham, Rouen, St Cloud, Meissen and Vienna.