What is a dutch ceramic platter?

A dutch ceramic platter is a large tin-glazed earthenware dish, often referred to as a charger, created for decorative display. These pieces range from seventeenth-century origins through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. They showcase traditional motifs including blue and white painting, Chinoiserie, and polychrome grand feu designs. Most surviving examples served as wall or cabinet ornaments rather than tableware.

How should I hang a charger?

Hanging a large charger requires a specialist wall mount designed for heavy earthenware plates. These holders distribute the weight evenly across the rim without exerting pressure on the centre. Ensure the fixing is secure in solid walling, as these antique pieces possess substantial weight. Regular checks on the wire or brass clips prevent accidental slips.

How do I spot an eighteenth-century piece?

Eighteenth-century platters generally exhibit the characteristic weight, glaze pooling, and pigment behaviour typical of period earthenware. Examining the foot ring and back reveals the unglazed clay body and typical kiln scars. Comparing the brushwork to documented seventeenth and nineteenth-century examples helps clarify the era of production. Eighteenth-century pieces often display looser, more confident cobalt or manganese application.

What is the difference between delft and earthenware?

Delft is a specific type of tin-glazed earthenware produced in the Netherlands using local clays. All Dutch delft falls under the broader category of earthenware, but not all earthenware receives a tin glaze. The tin glaze provides the opaque white background essential for the painted cobalt and polychrome decoration characteristic of Dutch ceramic platters.