How were floral delftware plates used?

These pieces served both practical dining functions and decorative display roles within eighteenth-century homes. Larger chargers were typically hung on walls or stood on dressers to show off their painted botanical designs. Smaller plates saw regular use at the table for meals, though their tin-glazed surfaces meant they required careful handling to avoid chipping.

Are these plates English or Dutch?

Delftware production flourished in both England and the Netherlands throughout the eighteenth century, sharing similar tin-glazing techniques and earthenware bodies. English potteries often produced pieces with distinct local stylistic influences. Dutch workshops, particularly those operating during the Baroque period, exported substantial quantities of chargers and plates featuring floral and geometric motifs across Europe.

What colours appear on these plates?

Cobalt blue remains the most common pigment used for hand-painted floral decoration on these earthenware surfaces. Many examples also incorporate manganese purple and multi-coloured polychrome palettes. The interaction between the white tin-glaze and these metallic pigments creates the bright visual contrast characteristic of eighteenth-century ceramics.

How do you display a charger?

Chargers are large decorative plates designed with sufficient scale to act as focal points on walls or display furniture. Plate hangers and specialised stands provide secure support without damaging the earthenware edge. Keeping them away from high-traffic areas protects the tin-glaze from accidental impacts.