How do I clean an antique blue glazed vase?

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent the accumulation of grime. Avoid immersing old earthenware or pieces with metal mounts in water, as moisture can penetrate hairline fractures in the glaze.

Can I put fresh flowers in these vases?

Most historic stoneware and glazed porcelain vessels hold water safely, but fragile earthenware and tin-glazed pieces run the risk of water seepage. It is safer to use a discreet glass insert inside delicate antique vessels to protect the historic ceramic body.

How can I tell Delftware from other blue and white pottery?

Look at the base of the vessel, where the porous buff or reddish earthenware body is often visible beneath a white tin glaze. Delftware typically displays a slightly softer glaze texture compared to the hard, vitrified body of porcelain or stoneware.

What is the difference between earthenware and stoneware vases?

Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures, leaving the ceramic body porous and relatively soft unless heavily glazed. Stoneware is fired much hotter until the clay vitrifies, resulting in a heavy, non-porous material that rings when struck.