How were chargers used originally?

Chargers served primarily as impressive table centrepieces or display items on sideboards during grand meals rather than everyday plates. Their substantial size allowed hosts to showcase wealth and taste through intricate imported or domestic ceramic designs.

How do I tell seventeenth and eighteenth-century pieces apart?

Seventeenth-century examples often lean towards robust Dutch Baroque forms and direct Kraak-style Chinese inspirations with heavy potting. Eighteenth-century items frequently exhibit lighter bodies, refined floral motifs, and a broader adoption of polychrome palettes alongside traditional blue and white.

What is a barber's bowl?

A specialised dish featuring a semicircular cut-out on the rim designed to fit snugly against a customer's neck during shaving. These functional vessels were produced in tin-glazed earthenware and decorated with cobalt blue patterns matching standard tableware.

How should I display a charger safely?

Display chargers using sturdy wall hangers specifically designed for heavy earthenware plates or secure vertical plate stands on stable surfaces. Ensure the mounting hardware distributes the weight evenly across the base and rim to prevent stress fractures.