Can I use these old vessels for fresh flowers?

Many historical jugs, vases, and pitchers were made precisely to hold water and botanicals during daily domestic life. However, hairline fissures or porous unglazed interiors in older earthenware require caution before filling. Consider placing a small, modern glass or plastic vessel inside antique pitchers to protect the historical ceramic body from moisture damage and mineral deposits.

How can I tell earthenware from stoneware?

Earthenware remains somewhat porous and opaque even when glazed, often chipping to reveal a reddish or buff-coloured clay beneath. Stoneware is fired much hotter until the body vitrifies, rendering it heavy, resonant, and completely waterproof. Stoneware resists scratching with a steel blade, whereas softer historical earthenwares demand much gentler handling to prevent surface abrasions.

What does tin-glazed mean?

Tin-glazing involves adding tin oxide to a liquid glaze mixture, turning it opaque white during the kiln firing. This creates a smooth canvas for hand-painted cobalt blue designs, as seen on traditional Dutch Delftware. The resulting surface mimics the appearance of imported Chinese porcelain at a fraction of the cost, defining centuries of European ceramic decoration.