Are these plates safe to use for serving food?

Most antique decorative plates and chargers are intended strictly for display rather than culinary use. Historic glazes and enamels can contain compounds that are unsuitable for modern food contact. Furthermore, age-related wear or previous repairs mean these pieces are best preserved away from the dining table.

How can I tell an 18th-century plate from a later copy?

Earlier pieces from the 18th century often exhibit characteristic potting irregularities, subtle foot-rim wear, and hand-ground glazes unique to period kilns. Later interpretations or revival pieces frequently show more uniform bodies and different pigment behaviours under magnification. Examining the weight, resonance, and pigment saturation helps clarify the age of the ceramic.

What is the difference between Famille Rose and Famille Verte?

Famille Rose relies on an opaque pink or purple enamel introduced during the Qing dynasty, allowing for soft tonal blending in floral and figural subjects. Famille Verte is dominated by vibrant green enamels alongside iron red and blue, creating a brighter, more contrasting visual effect. Both palettes were utilised across different periods to decorate fine export porcelain.