In the early 18th century, Chinese export porcelain was exclusive to the homes of wealthy and affluent members of colonial society as it was expensive and not widely available. However, as the 18th century progressed, Chinese potters began to produce porcelain for export in greater quantities while Europeans, including the English, began to reproduce their own porcelains. These changes resulted in porcelain becoming more accessible across social classes in the North American colonies.

Hume, Ivor Noel. 1969. A Guide to Artifacts of Colonial America. University of Pennsylvania Press. Philadelphia, PA.

Frank, Carolina. 2011. Objectifying China, Imagining America: Chinese Commodities in Early America. University of Chicago Press. Chicago, Illinois.