What is a delft charger?

A delft charger is a large tin-glazed earthenware plate produced in workshops across England, Holland and other European centres. These vessels functioned primarily as wall decorations or ceremonial presentation pieces. The tin glaze created an opaque white background that accepted blue cobalt pigment well. Artisans painted them with floral, landscape or figural scenes by hand.

How do I date a blue glaze dish?

Dating relies on examining the ceramic body, glaze characteristics, style of painting and kiln marks where present. Seventeenth and eighteenth-century pieces often display characteristic potting flaws and thinner foot rims. Later nineteenth-century pieces show different standardisation in manufacture and brighter chemical pigments. Comparing the stylistic motifs against documented regional outputs narrows the production era.

Were these dishes used for food?

Many dishes, such as serving dishes, salt cellars and shallow bowls, served practical dining functions in past households. Larger chargers were frequently reserved for display on sideboards or walls. Earthenware pieces from early periods absorbed moisture over time through unglazed foot rings. Modern use with food is generally discouraged to protect the fragile historic glaze.