How were blue white charger plates used?

These large dishes served primarily as decorative centerpieces or as under-plates for grand dining tables. Their broad surfaces allowed them to function as serving platters for substantial feasts. Over time, many found their way to walls and cabinets where their painted cobalt patterns could be displayed as art objects.

How do I hang a large charger plate safely?

Hanging a heavy earthenware charger requires a properly sized spring-loaded wire hanger that distributes weight evenly across the rim. Ensure the wall fixing is secured directly into masonry or a stud. Avoid adhesive disc hangers on antique ceramic pieces due to the weight and the risk of pulling away from old glazes.

How do I tell transferware from hand-painted pieces?

Examine the blue decoration closely under a magnifying glass to check for the fine dotted matrix characteristic of copperplate transfer printing. Hand-painted examples will show brush strokes and slight variations in pigment density. Transfer-printed patterns repeat identical lines precisely, whereas painted work reveals the touch of an individual decorator.