How do I care for an antique ceramic dragon?

Wash porcelain and earthenware pieces by hand using lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding any abrasive scrubbers that might scratch the glaze or lift the gilding. Keep delicate items away from direct sunlight to prevent fading on overglaze enamels and iron-red pigments.

How can I tell English ceramics from Asian imports?

English pieces typically utilise soft-paste porcelain, bone china, or ironstone with European potting weights, while Asian items rely on dense hard-paste porcelain or characteristic regional clays. Examining the foot ring and the base unglazed surfaces often reveals the specific body paste used by the maker.

What does a five-clawed dragon signify?

The five-clawed dragon historically represented the Emperor in Chinese culture, appearing exclusively on imperial wares and high-status official commissions. Pieces bearing this specific motif command strong interest from collectors focusing on Qing Dynasty porcelain.