How were antique chargers used?

These large vessels originally served grand dining tables for presenting meats or courses before transitioning to decorative wall display. Their substantial diameter made them centrepieces for hospitality, while later examples functioned primarily as cabinet pieces or wall plaques.

How do I hang a charger safely?

Displaying a large plate requires a specialised wall bracket or spring-loaded wire hanger designed for heavy earthenware and porcelain. Ensure the mounting hardware matches the exact weight and rim depth of the specific dish to prevent slippage.

How do I distinguish Delft from Imari?

Delft pieces rely on tin-glazed earthenware bodies with cobalt blue designs executed in European interpretations of Chinese motifs. Imari pieces utilise porcelain substrates, combining cobalt blue underglaze with iron red and gold leaf in Japanese aesthetic traditions.

Can I use these plates for food?

Historic ceramic chargers feature fragile glazes, historic wear, and occasionally lead-bearing compositions unsuited for modern culinary use. Displaying them visually preserves their painted surfaces and structural integrity without risking chemical interaction or physical damage.