How to clean dirty tiles?

Dusting with a soft brush is usually enough. If the dirt is stubborn, wipe the surface gently with a damp cotton cloth and dry it immediately. Avoid soaking these. The porous clay body will absorb water through any chips or crazing in the glaze, which can cause the painted surface to flake off later.

Manganese oxide was a common alternative to cobalt. It produces a distinct purple tint when fired. Potters frequently used manganese for biblical scenes on tiles.

I found a large blue and white bowl in my grandmother's attic and it has little holes on the underside, is that normal for these?

Those three small marks are expected on period hollowware. They are peg marks, left behind by the clay supports that held the bowl up inside the kiln. Without those supports, the wet glaze would have fused the bowl to the kiln shelf during firing. The marks are just a byproduct of the manufacturing process.

Someone told me the glaze on my antique plate has lead in it, does this mean I shouldn't use it for serving food at dinner parties?

The traditional tin glaze does contain lead. While the firing process stabilises the surface, acidic foods can sometimes cause the metals to leach out over time. Most dealers advise using early ceramics for display rather than dining. The glaze is also prone to chipping if subjected to modern cutlery.

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Antique Delft from the 18th Century

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Tin-glazed earthenware imitating Chinese porcelain, first made in the Netherlands and later Britain, covering everything from domestic tiles and plates to large tulip vases.