Archaeologists have long delved deep into the history of mankind. Many times they have sifted through dusty ruins to find pottery shards of people long gone from the ranks of civilization. What they have discovered overall is that many cultures began using ceramics to make pots for storage and cooking thousands of years ago. The remnants of these pots still intrigue many today because they lead to a connection with distant ancestors. The history of pottery and tableware is indelibly entwined with the history of man. Over the centuries, those who make ceramic dishes and platters have searched for the perfect formula for light, translucent china while retaining its durability to function as an item used daily.