The influence of China was seen in British design from the late 17th century onwards. The Chinoiserie style, as it was known, was still in use in the 19th century for objects made for the popular market. The expansion of British diplomatic, trade and religious activity in China in the 1850s and 1860s re-awakened people's interest in the 'Celestial Empire' and brought previously unknown examples of Chinese art and design to the attention of British collectors and designers. Chinese ceramics, in particular, had a great influence on British potters.