Can I use these vases for fresh flowers?

Most antique glazed vases can hold water if their interior glaze remains completely intact and waterproof. Stoneware and modern glazed porcelain handle moisture safely, whereas older earthenware or tin-glazed pieces may have hairline cracks that allow seepage. To protect the ceramic body from mineral deposits and moisture damage, place a small glass or plastic liner inside the vessel rather than pouring water directly onto the historic interior.

How do I distinguish majolica from faience?

Majolica primarily refers to tin-glazed earthenware originating from Italian traditions and later European revivals, characterised by vibrant polychrome enamels on a white opaque ground. Faience covers a broader category of tin-glazed pottery developed across France and other regions, often featuring distinct blue and white maritime or floral motifs. Examining the underlying clay body, palette, and stylistic conventions helps identify the specific regional workshop and period of production.

What defines Arts and Crafts ceramics?

Arts and Crafts ceramics emphasise hand-thrown forms, naturalistic motifs, and visible evidence of the maker's hand over mass-produced uniformity. Potteries during this movement rejected rigid industrial symmetry in favour of textured surfaces and organic glazes. Pieces often feature stylised plant forms, matte finishes, and tube-lined outlines that showcase traditional craftsmanship and individual artistic expression.