How can I tell Dutch delft from French faience?

Dutch delft typically leans towards cobalt blue and white maritime or floral motifs inspired by imported Asian porcelain. French faience frequently employs vibrant polychrome palettes and regional provincial designs. Examining the foot rings, glaze texture, and any workshop marks helps confirm the specific country of origin.

Were these dishes meant for daily use?

Many charger plates and large decorative dishes served primarily as visual displays on sideboards and walls. Smaller plates and tableware saw actual dining service during formal meals. Today, collectors generally preserve these fragile earthenware items as decorative objects rather than utilitarian tableware.

What causes crazing on tin glaze?

Crazing appears as a fine network of tiny cracks across the glossy surface caused by tension between the ceramic body and the outer glaze. This occurs naturally over centuries as the materials age and experience minor temperature fluctuations. It remains a normal characteristic of antique tin-glazed earthenware rather than a structural fault.