How do I clean an antique enamel pot?

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent accumulation without abrasive friction. Avoid liquid cleaners or chemical polishes, as moisture can infiltrate hairline fractures in the enamel or discolour exposed metal.

Were these pots used for plants?

Many larger vessels functioned as jardinières to house potted plants, protecting surfaces with their sealed metal interiors. Others served strictly as decorative jars, koro burners, or lidded containers intended for display rather than horticulture.

What periods do these pieces come from?

The selection includes pieces spanning the eighteenth century through the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Styles often reflect Qing Dynasty aesthetics or Japanese Meiji period craftsmanship, alongside later twentieth-century interpretations.