How do I display a charger?

Large chargers were made for visual impact and suit placement on sturdy wall brackets or within deep plate stands on a cabinet top. Ensure the support safely takes the weight of the thick porcelain or earthenware body before leaving it on display.

Were these dishes used for dining?

Many larger plates and chargers served primarily as decorative items or for ceremonial presentation rather than everyday meals. Smaller bowls and dishes saw more practical use in Japanese domestic settings for serving food or sweets.

How do I care for gilt ceramics?

Dust these pieces gently with a dry, soft cloth and avoid any chemical cleaning agents that might lift the delicate gold leaf. Keep them out of direct sunlight to protect the stability of the hand-applied enamels over time.

How do I tell Satsuma from Imari?

Satsuma wares utilise an earthenware body with a distinctive fine crackle glaze and dense polychrome enamel painting. Imari pieces rely on a hard porcelain body decorated with a contrasting palette of blue, red, and gold.