How do I care for my antique lustreware dish?

Keep ceramic and porcelain pieces away from direct, harsh sunlight to protect the metallic glazes and gilt details over time. Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry cloth rather than using liquid cleaners or abrasive materials that might damage the delicate glaze.

What periods do these dishes come from?

The pieces span a wide chronological range, including pre-sixteenth century Persian Islamic and Seljuk examples alongside Edwardian and 1930s British works. Twentieth-century items from the 1910s and 1920s form a significant portion of the available decorative bowls.

How were Persian lustre bowls made?

Potters applied metallic pigments over an opaque white glaze and fired the ceramic a second time in a reduced oxygen environment. This technique left a thin, metallic layer on the surface, creating an iridescent sheen that imitated precious metals.

What motifs appear on these bowls?

Common decorative subjects include mythical creatures such as dragons and phoenixes, alongside butterflies, floral tulip patterns, and figurative horse and rider scenes. Backgrounds often feature mottled orange, green, or gilt finishes that complement the central imagery.