These various substances are known by the equally inexact names of Egyptian porcelain and Egyptian faience.

The oldest specimens, which are hardly glazed at all, are coated with an excessively thin slip.

This vitreous matter has, however, generally settled into the hollows of the hieroglyphs or figures, where its lustre stands out in strong contrast with the dead surface of the surrounding parts.

The colour most frequently in use under the ancient dynasties was green; but yellow, red, brown, violet, and blue were not disdained.[61] Blue predominated in the Theban factories from the earliest beginning of the Middle Empire.

This blue was brilliant, yet tender, in imitation of turquoise or lapis lazuli.