How do I hang antique plates safely?

Wall display requires specialised plate hangers with rubber-coated spring clips that grip the rim securely without causing chips. Ensure the fixing in the wall matches the weight of heavier ceramic chargers. For framed plaques or panels, use sturdy picture wire attached to secure D-rings on the wooden backing. Avoid hanging pieces in direct sunlight or areas prone to high moisture.

Were Imari plates made for export?

Japanese Imari wares of the Meiji period were produced specifically for Western export markets that demanded ornate, colourful ornamentation. European households displayed these vibrant chargers in dining rooms and parlours. The aesthetic heavily influenced the Victorian decorative taste, leading domestic potteries to adopt similar colour schemes and motifs.

How do I identify Royal Worcester plaques?

Royal Worcester wall plaques typically feature hand-painted artistic scenes, such as game birds by named artists like Stinton. Look for the characteristic factory backstamps impressed or printed on the reverse of the porcelain body. Signed pieces carry the individual artist's signature on the painted face, adding considerable context to the piece's origin.

What is the difference between a plate and a charger?

Plates were traditionally sized for functional use at table, though decorative examples remained purely ornamental. Chargers are substantially larger circular dishes designed strictly for ceremonial display or wall mounting. In this selection, chargers offer much broader surfaces for intricate painted scenes and complex border patterns.