How were large blue ceramic platters used?

Large blue ceramic platters served functional roles on dining tables for presenting joints of meat and poultry during large meals. Chargers were also hung on walls or displayed on dressers to showcase wealth and taste. Over time, many of these utilitarian dishes transitioned entirely into decorative objects. Their generous surface area made them ideal canvases for intricate blue and white ornamentation.

Are these platters safe for serving food?

While many antique platters were originally designed for meat and poultry, modern use depends on the stability of the glaze and ceramic body. Older earthenware and soft paste porcelain can absorb liquids or harbour bacteria through hairline cracks. Displaying them as wall chargers or decorative table centerpieces preserves the historic surface without risking further wear. Gentle cleaning with lukewarm water suits antique surfaces better than automated dishwashers.

What is the difference between delft and imari?

Delft refers to European tin-glazed earthenware typically decorated in blue and white, inspired by Chinese imports. Imari describes Japanese porcelain featuring a distinct palette of underglaze blue, iron red, and sometimes gold leaf. Delft production centres in England and the Continent focused on opaque white backgrounds with pictorial scenes. Japanese Imari wares utilised porcelain bodies with dense geometric and floral compositions.