How do I hang a heavy charger?

Displaying large dishes securely requires specialised wall fixings designed to distribute weight evenly around the rim without causing stress fractures. Spring-loaded brass hangers or custom acrylic wall brackets offer safe support for heavy earthenware and porcelain chargers.

Were these dishes used for dining?

Most large chargers and cabinet plates served primarily ornamental functions in wealthy households, displayed on buffets or hung in formal rooms. Smaller plates occasionally performed dual roles at dessert, but fine painted cabinet pieces were created strictly for visual appreciation.

How do I clean antique ceramic plates?

Dusting gently with a dry, soft brush is the safest method for maintaining painted surfaces and delicate gold leaf details. Water and liquid cleaners should be avoided, particularly on porous earthenware or pieces with fragile overglaze enamels.

How do I tell tin glaze from porcelain?

Tin-glazed earthenware has a heavier, more porous clay body underneath an opaque white surface layer that lacks translucency. Porcelain is vitrified, harder, and typically shows some translucency when held up to a strong light source.