How do I care for antique ceramic?

Wash pieces by hand in warm water using mild soap, avoiding dishwashers and harsh scrubbers that can damage overglaze enamel or gold leaf. Keep them out of direct sunlight to protect the pigments from fading over the years.

What is the difference between Imari and ordinary blue and white?

Imari wares introduce a contrasting palette of iron red and gold alongside the traditional cobalt blue underglaze. This creates a much richer decorative surface than monochrome blue and white ceramics. They also draw heavily on Japanese export traditions from Arita rather than standard Chinese kiln output.

Are these pieces safe for food use?

Most antique ceramics of this age are intended for display rather than daily dining. Historic glazes can contain trace elements that make them unsuitable for modern food consumption. It is best to treat them as decorative objects or collectors pieces.

How can I tell an eighteenth century piece from a later copy?

Examine the weight, the feel of the foot rim and the way the glaze has settled into the clay body. Older pieces often show subtle irregularities in the potting and hand-painted lines. Compare the pigment tones and style of brushwork with established examples from the same period.