How do I identify genuine 18th century imari?

Examine the underglaze cobalt blue and the iron-red enamel details for hand-painted brushwork rather than printed transfers. Look at the characteristics of the porcelain body and any wear consistent with age. Check for period-specific forms such as Arita chargers, Kangxi export bowls, or early Derby porcelain copies. The combination of materials like gold leaf, glaze, and soft-paste porcelain also helps establish the correct timeframe.

Were these pieces used daily?

Many items including plates, bowls, shaving bowls, and sake ewers were produced for practical dining and grooming purposes. Over time, surviving examples transitioned into purely decorative displays. Larger vessels like jardinieres and lidded vases functioned as interior ornaments in stately homes and merchant residences. Their robust porcelain construction allowed them to endure centuries of domestic use.

How should I display porcelain vases and bowls?

Place vases and jardinieres on sturdy surfaces where their polychrome decoration and gold leaf highlights catch natural light. Ensure heavy pieces are secure from accidental bumps. Avoid placing delicate soft-paste porcelain or ormolu-mounted items in direct, intense sunlight to protect the enamel colours. Grouping garnitures together on tables or shelves recreates historical interior arrangements.