How do I care for antique porcelain?

Wash porcelain pieces by hand using warm water and mild soap, avoiding harsh scrubbing or dishwashers that might damage the enamel or gold leaf. Place heavier vessels on stable, level surfaces away from direct foot traffic to prevent accidental knocks.

How do I distinguish Imari from Satsuma?

Imari pieces consist of hard porcelain with a ringing sound when tapped, utilising deep blues, reds, and gilt highlights in geometric or floral layouts. Satsuma items are earthenware with a distinct crackled glaze and feature dense pictorial scenes painted in softer enamel colours.

Were these pieces made for export?

Many objects found in Western collections were produced specifically for export markets in Europe and America during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Potters adapted traditional Chinese and Japanese forms and motifs to suit foreign interior decoration tastes of the period.

Can I use these vases for water?

While historic vessels were designed to hold flowers, older earthenware and mounted pieces often benefit from dry display to protect internal glazes. If using them for fresh stems, placing a small glass container inside prevents moisture from seeping into porous historic bodies.