Metal material used for dishware before porcelain became popular

PEWTER

This soft, gray alloy was the go-to for medieval mugs and plates.

This clue points to pewter, a soft metal alloy made mostly of tin that was widely used for plates, mugs, and utensils in Europe before porcelain took over. It was a practical choice because it was affordable, easy to shape, and didn’t rust like iron. The clue hints at its historical role in everyday dishware, making "pewter" the straightforward answer. No wordplay here—just a direct reference to its common use in the past.