How do I hang a large imari dish?

Secure display requires a coated spring hanger sized specifically to the diameter and rim depth of the plate. Ensure the wall fixing supports the substantial weight of porcelain or ironstone safely. Avoid wire alone against the glazed foot ring. Check the tension regularly to keep the charger firm against the wall.

Were these dishes used for food?

Many large charger formats served primarily for display or ceremonial presentation rather than daily dining. Nineteenth-century examples often functioned as fruit display plates or meat platters. Examine the surface glaze for knife scratches to gauge whether a particular piece saw active dining service or purely decorative use.

How do I tell Edo and Meiji pieces apart?

Edo period pieces date from earlier centuries and display specific potting characteristics and simpler cobalt tones. Meiji period items often show denser, busier compositions with highly vibrant enamel colours. Inspect the foot ring and glaze pooling on the reverse to understand the manufacturing age.