Ishani porcelain is made from a fine sand that comes from Ishan, Iran. Popular decretive wall and vessels that were used during the Turkish rule of Syria for about 500 years. Today this art form has finally returned and Damascus is said to have five separate studios that make this beautiful art. It is wise to shop the old town first before making a selection as quality of the glaze and the artists drawing them vary a lot from one studio to the next. I have ordered thicker walls of porcelain form mine so that the plates do not brake so easily. Once you get this type of art in your home you never put it away. It is inspiring just to look at.