Are these bowls safe for food use?

Many older glazed earthenware bowls contain lead or other metal oxides within their glaze compositions, making them unsuitable for modern food consumption. Utilise antique and vintage pieces primarily for display or dry storage. Twentieth-century production pieces sometimes meet contemporary standards, but older dairy vessels and Delftware should be kept away from acidic foods.

How can I tell Delftware from other pottery?

Examine the exposed clay body on the base of the vessel to identify porous buff or pinkish earthenware beneath a white tin-glaze. Look for typical blue and white Chinoiserie motifs or historical scenes painted on the surface. Eighteenth-century examples often display minor glaze imperfections and stilt marks on the underside from the kiln firing process.

What is the difference between a dairy bowl and a decorative bowl?

Dairy bowls feature heavy, thick walls designed for utilitarian farm work such as settling milk and storing produce. They are typically unpretentious in form and built for durability. Decorative bowls and centrepieces focus on refined shapes, intricate painted glazes, and artistic motifs intended for interior ornamentation rather than agricultural labour.