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An exotic and expensive import, chocolate came from South America into Europe after the
Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Turning it into hot chocolate, by using a chocolate pot,
was the tastiest way to enjoy it. Since it was a rare commodity mostly enjoyed by the wealthy, it
was associated with luxury objects such as porcelain, one of the most valuable materials of the
time. ”Nippon porcelain” was made from 1891 to 1921 and was designed specifically for
westerners’ tastes (Nippon and Nihon are native pronunciations of the word for the country of
Japan).
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Venetian glassmakers had a privileged social status, immunity from prosecution, and their
daughters could marry into Venice’s most affluent families as a reward for their efforts. This
ensured that the glassmakers encouraged their children to carry on the trade and that trade
secrets stayed in the families. This, along with Venice’s convenient location at the crossroads of
trade between East and West, gave Venice a monopoly in manufacturing and selling quality
glass throughout Europe that lasted for centuries.