Were these dishes meant for daily use?

Most surviving examples were created for display or export rather than practical dining. The porous earthenware and fragile enamel decoration suited decorative cabinets. Larger chargers and shallow plates functioned primarily as visual centrepieces in Western and Japanese interiors.

How can I tell the period of a piece?

Examine the signature or crest on the base alongside the style of painting and the fineness of the glaze. Nineteenth-century pieces typically feature detailed hand-written artist marks. Compare the subject matter against known Meiji period motifs to narrow down the decade of production.

What is the craquelure on the surface?

Craquelure is the intentional network of fine cracks in the milky glaze of earthenware pottery. It forms naturally during the cooling process. Artists often enhanced these lines with subtle staining to accentuate the age and texture of the ceramic body.