Green Canton porcelain dish with a lid with a knob, gilt outline, emblem, and flower pattern

In the early 18th century, Meissen in Germany was the first place in Europe to produce porcelain and establish porcelain factories. From there, porcelain-making techniques spread throughout Europe, including to Vienna, France, and the Netherlands. By the end of that century, Europe's porcelain industry had matured, prompting various East India Companies to discontinue bulk purchases of Chinese porcelain. The emerging United States became the primary consumer market for Canton porcelain. The types, styles and characteristics of Canton porcelain underwent transformative changes as a result of the rise of the European porcelain industry. Warm tones were replaced by deep reds and greens, traditional Chinese painting techniques and patterns resurfaced, and pigments were made locally. Gilt decoration, which had undergone cost-cutting improvements, became popular—particularly after the 19th century, when Canton porcelain was mass-produced, resulting in the gradual standardization of decorative patterns.