How do I display a charger?

Large chargers and decorative plates work well mounted on walls using appropriate secure fixings or stood upright on dedicated plate stands within cabinets. Position them away from direct sunlight to protect the enamel colours and gold leaf over time.

Are these pieces safe for food?

Most antique pieces function primarily as decorative items due to their age and delicate hand painted surfaces. Hand washing in warm water without harsh detergents preserves the glaze and gilding if used occasionally for serving.

How do I tell Japanese from English pieces?

Japanese examples usually feature traditional porcelain bodies with cobalt underglaze and iron red floral or bird motifs characteristic of the Meiji period. English interpretations often utilise heavier ironstone bodies marked by specific nineteenth-century potteries.

What is the Kangxi period?

The Kangxi period covers a major era of Chinese porcelain production spanning from 1661 to 1722. Pieces from this time often display fine potting and distinct export styles that influenced later Japanese and European makers.