How do I hang a wall charger safely?

Displaying a large ceramic dish safely requires a dedicated spring-loaded wall hanger that distributes weight evenly across the rim. Ensure the mounting fixings match the wall type before placing the piece. Avoid hanging chargers in areas subject to direct sunlight or dramatic temperature fluctuations. Routine dusting with a soft cloth keeps the glazed surface clean without risking abrasion.

What is the difference between Imari and delftware?

Imari pieces originate from Japan and utilise a distinct palette of cobalt blue, iron red, and gold leaf on a porcelain body. The designs lean heavily into intricate floral and geometric patterns. Delftware represents European tin-glazed earthenware, most commonly associated with Dutch and English workshops. It relies primarily on cobalt blue pigments painted onto an opaque white tin glaze.

Were these chargers used for dining?

Most large chargers served a decorative function rather than a practical dining purpose, often displayed on sideboards or walls. Their generous scale made them ideal for showing off elaborate hand-painted craftsmanship. Smaller cabinet plates and dishes within the same categories were similarly kept for visual appreciation. Their survival in good condition owes much to this non-utilitarian history.

How can I tell an eighteenth-century piece from a later one?

Early pieces from the eighteenth century often display subtle imperfections in the glaze, variations in the cobalt blue tone, and hand-thrown potting irregularities. The weight and footring construction also offer clues to the period of manufacture. Nineteenth and twentieth-century reproductions or later traditions generally exhibit more uniform bodies and standardised glaze finishes. Comparing the crispness of the hand-painted floral motifs helps clarify the age.