How were large ceramic plates used historically?

Large ceramic plates and chargers served primarily as impressive centerpieces for dining tables during feasts and formal meals. Wealthy households also displayed them on sideboards or hung them on walls to demonstrate status and taste. Over time, many of the largest chargers transitioned into purely decorative objects. Their broad surfaces provided ideal canvases for displaying intricate landscapes, portraits, and narrative scenes.

How can I tell different periods apart?

Distinguishing periods relies on examining the clay body, the characteristics of the glaze, and the style of decoration. Seventeenth-century Chinese and Delft pieces often exhibit heavier potting and distinct cobalt blue tones, while nineteenth-century transferware utilises precise mechanical printing. Examining the foot ring and the base of the piece reveals how the potter supported the plate in the kiln. Unglazed areas and firing scars offer clues regarding the manufacturing date and geographic origin.

What is the difference between a charger and a platter?

Chargers are typically wide, round decorative plates designed for display or to sit beneath other courses. Their rims and wells often feature elaborate painted or moulded ornamentation rather than serving surfaces. Platters, conversely, were shaped to accommodate joints of meat or poultry during service. They frequently incorporate channels or wells to catch juices, reflecting a more functional role in the dining room.