What is a delft blue charger?

A delft blue charger is a large earthenware plate covered in a white tin glaze and painted with cobalt blue designs. These substantial pieces were made for visual display in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century homes. Craftsmen in England, the Netherlands and continental Europe produced them by hand, drawing inspiration from imported Asian porcelain as well as local tastes.

How were delft chargers displayed?

Historic households typically hung these large dishes on walls, placed them on sideboards or stood them on dresser shelves to catch the light. Their generous diameters made them ideal focal points for rooms. Because the earthenware body and tin glaze are relatively soft, they were kept away from heavy everyday use and treated primarily as decorative ornaments.

How do I tell seventeenth-century pieces apart?

Seventeenth-century chargers often display heavier earthenware bodies and deeper profiles influenced by Kraak porcelain or early Dutch Baroque styles. The brushwork tends to be bold and expressive, reflecting the experimental nature of early tin-glaze production. Later eighteenth-century examples frequently shift towards lighter bodies, more refined floral sprays, or English factory output featuring distinct cobalt shades and lighter glazes.

Can I hang an antique charger on the wall?

Many collectors display chargers using specialised, non-damaging wire wall hangers designed to distribute weight evenly across the rim and base. Ensuring the hanging hardware is secure protects the earthenware from accidental slips. It is advisable to check that the wall fixings are robust and that the charger rests safely away from high-traffic zones or vibrations.

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Delft Blue Charger

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A delft blue charger brings seventeenth- and eighteenth-century domestic display into a room through wide tin-glazed earthenware surfaces painted in cobalt pigment.