Can I use these vessels for fresh flowers?

Glazed stoneware and porcelain vessels are generally watertight and safe to hold water for floral displays. Inspect the interior first to ensure there are no unsealed hairline cracks that could leak. Unglazed earthenware or older porous items should be used with a concealed inner liner. This prevents moisture from seeping into the historic clay body.

How can I tell Art Nouveau from Arts and Crafts?

Art Nouveau vessels feature flowing, organic lines inspired by plant stems and whip-like botanical curves. The aesthetic prioritises dynamic movement and decorative asymmetry. Arts and Crafts pieces emphasise visible handcraftsmanship, simple structural forms, and motifs drawn from traditional British flora. The focus remains on the integrity of the material rather than fluid ornamentation.

What is salt glaze pottery?

Salt glazing involves throwing common salt into the kiln during the high-temperature firing process. The salt vaporises and reacts with the silica in the clay body to form a durable, textured surface. This creates a distinctive orange-peel texture that resists acids and moisture. It is most commonly found on hard-wearing stoneware jugs and storage crocks.