Are these vases waterproof?

Most antique porcelain pieces can hold water, but hairline fractures or older conversion holes drilled for lamp fittings mean testing is discouraged. Displaying them dry protects the enamel glaze and any underlying structural repairs from moisture damage.

How do I date a vase?

Dating relies on examining the porcelain body, enamel colours, and style of the painted panels against known production periods. Base marks offer clues, though reign marks frequently honour earlier emperors rather than recording the exact year of manufacture.

Why are some mounted as lamps?

Many Victorian and early 20th-century owners converted large export vases into lighting fixtures to suit contemporary domestic interiors. These adaptations often involved adding wooden or brass bases while retaining the original hand-painted porcelain bodies.

What is Canton porcelain?

Canton porcelain refers to white wares painted and fired in workshops around the southern Chinese port city of Guangzhou for export to Western markets. These items are characterised by colourful enamel decoration, including Rose Medallion and dense bird-and-flower motifs.