One of the most important and comprehensive collections of Chinese export porcelain in America is on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Featuring more than 80 works drawn from the Museum's own collections, Chinese Export Porcelain at the Metropolitan Museum of Art examines the precious porcelain created in China for export to Europe and America. Dating from the mid-16th century through the third quarter of the 19th century, the exhibition includes bowls and vases, services and tureens, reverse glass paintings, and works in ivory. Together with the Metropolitan's winter 2003 Bulletin on the subject, the exhibition will spotlight this little-known facet of the Museum's collections. The exhibition and its accompanying publication are made possible by Mary and Marvin Davidson. Introduced to Europe in the 14th century, Chinese porcelains were regarded as objects of rarity and luxury. In the early 16th century, however, it is after Portugal established trade routes to the Far East when commercial trade began. Which of the following is true, according to the brief introduction below?