Can I use these vessels for fresh flowers?

Stoneware and porcelain pieces with intact interior glazes usually hold water safely for display arrangements. However, older earthenware and terracotta jars may seep moisture due to hairline fissures in the body. Place a small waterproof liner or glass tube inside porous vessels if you intend to use them for live botanical displays. This protects both the antique ceramic and your furniture from moisture damage.

How do I distinguish Song dynasty celadon from later copies?

Early pieces from the Song and Ming dynasties display characteristic weight, deliberate potting thickness, and specific crackle patterns within the jade-like glaze. The tactile quality of the body clay and the foot ring construction reveal much about the true age of the piece. Examining the firing spurs and base unglazed areas provides further clues to origin. Comparing the piece against documented museum examples helps confirm authenticity.

What is the difference between earthenware and stoneware?

Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures, leaving the ceramic body porous and relatively soft unless heavily glazed. It forms the base for many traditional majolica and terracotta utilitarian objects. Stoneware reaches higher kiln temperatures, causing the clay body to vitrify and become completely impermeable to liquids. This results in a much stronger vessel suited for rigorous daily storage.