How do I hang a heavy charger plate safely?

Large chargers require robust wall mountings that distribute weight evenly across the base and rim without exerting pressure on the ceramic body. Spring loaded brass hangers with protective rubber tips securely grip the perimeter. Ensure the fixture anchors directly into wall studs or uses appropriate wall plugs rather than relying on standard plaster hooks. Check the mounting periodically to keep the plate secure.

Were these plates used for food?

Many large charger plates served primarily as centrepieces or display platters on European tables rather than for everyday dining. Their substantial size and rich overglaze enamel or gilt decoration made them suited for visual presentation. Earlier kiln wares and robust blue and white pieces sometimes saw service at feasts, but delicate Meiji export items generally remained decorative objects.

How do I distinguish Imari from Kutani?

Imari relies on a strict colour triad of underglaze cobalt blue, iron red enamel, and gold leaf, often arranged in formal panel designs. The porcelain body feels dense and crisp. Kutani employs a broader, more painterly palette featuring greens, purples, and yellows, frequently depicting dense narrative scenes or nature studies across the entire surface of the dish.