How do I date antique porcelain?

Dating relies upon factory marks stamped, painted or impressed onto the underside of the ceramic body. Many nineteenth and twentieth-century potteries used specific ciphers, numbers or registry marks that correspond to precise years of manufacture. Stylistic cues such as paste composition, glaze texture and painting technique also help narrow the production window when factory marks are absent or worn.

Were cabinet plates used for dining?

Cabinet plates were created specifically for display in glass-fronted furniture rather than for serving food. Their delicate enamel painting and extensive gold leaf would suffer from cutlery and frequent washing. Standard tableware was produced with more durable glazes and simpler transfer-printed patterns intended for everyday household dining.

How should I clean porcelain figures?

Cleaning requires a soft dry brush or a lint-free cloth to remove dust from crevices and painted surfaces. Moisture can damage old enamels and delicate paper labels on the base. Water and harsh detergents should be avoided entirely unless the glaze is completely sound and free of hairline cracks that might absorb liquid.

What is the difference between bone china and porcelain?

Bone china contains calcined bone ash mixed with china clay and stone, producing a lighter, highly translucent body. Traditional continental porcelain utilises petuntse and kaolin without bone ash. Both materials undergo high-temperature kiln firings, but bone china developed primarily in Britain as a whiter, stronger alternative to imported hard-paste wares.

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Collectible Porcelain

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Collectible porcelain brings together finely painted cabinet plates, glazed figures and delicate teacups spanning three centuries of European kiln work.