How do I hang japanese porcelain wall dishes safely?

Most of these chargers and plates require specialised wire spring hangers that grip the rim securely without causing damage to the porcelain body. Ensure the wall fixing is rated to take the weight of larger ceramic pieces, particularly substantial 19th-century chargers.

What is the difference between Imari and Satsuma wares?

Imari pieces typically feature a distinctive palette of cobalt underglaze blue, iron red, and gilt highlights on a porcelain body. Satsuma items usually utilise a crackle glaze over an earthenware body, decorated with detailed enamel work and raised gold motifs.

Were these dishes meant for dining?

The larger formats, such as chargers and deep cabinet plates, were designed primarily for decorative display on walls or furniture. Smaller plates found in sets were sometimes utilised for dessert service, though their survival in quantity suggests many served an ornamental purpose.

How can I tell a Meiji period piece apart?

Meiji period items span from 1868 to 1912, a time when Japanese export ceramics flourished with intricate hand-painted designs and vibrant enamel colours. Pieces from this era often combine traditional motifs like birds and floral scenes with exceptional technical skill in glazing and gilding.