How were charger plates used?

Large delft plates functioned primarily as decorative chargers displayed on walls, sideboards, or dresser shelves rather than for everyday dining. Their substantial diameter and fragile tin glaze made them prestige objects for wealthy households. Over time, many of these dishes transitioned entirely into ornamental items, hung using wire frames or displayed upright in plate rails to showcase the hand-painted cobalt designs.

How do I hang a delft charger safely?

Displaying a large earthenware plate requires a properly fitted brass spring hanger or a dedicated plate display groove. The weight of the charger means hanging systems must support the rim evenly without putting pressure on historic glaze chips or hairline cracks. Ensure the wall fixing is secure and positioned away from direct sunlight or heavy vibrations, which can gradually loosen wall-mounted ceramics over the years.

How do I tell seventeenth and eighteenth century pieces apart?

Seventeenth-century chargers often display heavier earthenware bodies influenced by Kraak porcelain imports, featuring lobed rims and deep well profiles. The tin glaze on these earlier examples frequently shows greater thickness and minor surface pitting. Eighteenth-century plates generally present lighter bodies, flatter rims, and more refined floral or chinoiserie brushwork executed with controlled cobalt pigment. Examining the foot ring and the exposed earthenware biscuit underneath clarifies the manufacturing period.

Can I wash tin glazed earthenware?

Cleaning these antique plates requires gentle dusting with a soft dry cloth rather than immersion in water. The porous earthenware body and historic tin glaze remain vulnerable to moisture infiltration, which can cause staining or destabilise old repairs. Avoid chemical detergents and running taps entirely, treating the surface with the care appropriate for fragile centuries-old ceramics.