I don't get the connection between cowrie shell and china ware. But thanks for the porcellana connection, of troy. I will never look at either cowrie shells or porcelain in quite the same way as once before.

And, mav', those are very good links. The pottery terms 'shivering' and 'crazing' are obviously opposites just based on people-based knowledge...and 'glost' had no definition at all, so it might be a good hogwash term.

Today I've learned enough about stoneware and porcelain to be very dangerous if the discussion comes up soon in the real world. Probably won't--too bad for those who like living dangerously. Thanks, everybody, for your replies.