How do I hang a wall plate safely?

Utilise a spring-loaded brass plate hanger that grips the rim securely without causing structural damage to the ceramic body. Ensure the wall fixing is anchored firmly into plaster or studwork to support the weight of larger chargers. Check the tension of the springs periodically to make certain the dish remains held fast within the metal prongs. Avoid wire adhesives that attach directly to the unglazed footring of historic pottery.

What is the difference between Imari and Satsuma?

Imari wares feature hard porcelain bodies decorated with deep cobalt blue, iron red, and gold pigments in striking geometric and floral arrangements. Satsuma wares utilise an earthenware body covered in a fine crackle-glaze finished with polychrome enamel and raised moriage details. Imari plates possess a ringing resonance when tapped lightly, whereas Satsuma pieces produce a more muted sound due to the softer earthenware composition.

How do I identify eighteenth-century plates?

Examine the unglazed footring for signs of kiln grit, firing scars, and the natural ageing of the ceramic paste. Eighteenth-century pieces often display slight asymmetries and hand-mixed pigments that reveal the touch of early manufacturing. Consult known factory marks from periods such as the Kangxi reign or Worcester porcelain eras to confirm production dates. Compare the potting thickness and weight against authenticated museum examples from the same decade.