How do I care for antique earthenware?

These ceramic items require gentle hand washing in warm water using mild soap, avoiding abrasive sponges or dishwashers entirely. Because the underlying earthenware body is porous, any existing hairline cracks can absorb moisture and weaken the structure over time. Display these dishes away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature shifts to protect the historical glazes and enamels. Wall-mounted chargers should be secured with padded brackets designed specifically for heavy antique ceramics.

Were these dishes used for daily dining?

Many examples served practical roles in period households, holding meats, cheeses, game pies, and vegetables during formal meals. Large chargers and platters were central to communal table service before individual plating became standard practice. Other pieces, particularly finely painted delftware chargers and decorative plates, were primarily intended for display on walls or sideboards. The presence of stacking marks or surface wear often indicates genuine domestic use.

How can I tell an eighteenth-century charger from a nineteenth-century copy?

Early pieces from the eighteenth century typically exhibit hand-thrown potting irregularities, foot rings with visible kiln grit, and organic variations in hand-painted cobalt or enamel pigments. The tin glazes on these older items often show subtle surface crinkling or fine crazing. Nineteenth-century and later interpretations often feature mechanical transfer printing, more uniform paste bodies, and factory marks stamped into the ceramic base. Examining the weight, foot rim construction, and pigment application helps clarify the period of production.

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Antique Earthenware Dishes

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These antique earthenware dishes span centuries of table service, offering collectors hand-painted tin glazes, rich blue and white transfer prints, and robust creamware forms.

19th century

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19th C Meat Plate

From Mytton Antiques - Jerrard Nares

£125

3+ MONTHS AGO

plates

A Japanese Satsuma Ware Bowl Painted with Flowers & Birds, Signed C.1900

1900 - 1920

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A Japanese Satsuma Ware Bowl Painted with Flowers & Birds, Signed C.1900

From Mark J West

£155

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Large Staffordshire Hen and Chicks on Nest Egg Crock C1880

19th century

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Large Staffordshire Hen and Chicks on Nest Egg Crock C1880

From Shaun King Antiques

£285

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Antique English Georgian Blue and White Pierced "Net" Pattern Pottery Serving Dish / Platter

19th century

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Antique English Georgian Blue and White Pierced "Net" Pattern Pottery Serving Dish / Platter

From Applecross Antiques

£285

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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A Majolica Stilton or Cheese Dome C1880

From Junk Antiques & Interiors

£250

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

18th century

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An Early 18th Century Delft Charger.

From Youngs Antiques

£120

3+ MONTHS AGO

plates

19th century

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Large Antique Blue & White Meat Platter

From Rebecca Sarah Antiques

£375

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

19th century

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19th Century French Faience Blue & White Vide-poche Dish (Fretted) C.1850

From Deja Vu St Leonards

£100

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

18th century

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English Delftware Blue & White Salt Cellar, C.1750 – 18th Century Hand Painted Octagonal Dish

From Deja Vu St Leonards

£150

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Antique Japanese Satsuma Ware "Thousand Flowers" Gilt Enameled Bowls & Saucers

19th century

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Antique Japanese Satsuma Ware "Thousand Flowers" Gilt Enameled Bowls & Saucers

From Bushells Antiques

£1,250

3+ MONTHS AGO

ceramics

Object forms include cheese domes, chestnut baskets, hot-water plates, and commemorative dishes alongside traditional flat chargers and serving platters.