How do I hang a heavy charger?

Display chargers require specialist wall fixings that support the rim securely without causing structural strain. Use coated wire hangers designed specifically for heavy ceramics to distribute the weight evenly.

Are these plates food safe?

Many nineteenth-century and earlier pieces contain lead or other compounds in their overglaze enamels. Display them on walls or in cabinets rather than using them for serving food.

How do I clean antique porcelain?

Dust these decorative items gently with a dry, soft brush to remove surface particles. Avoid immersing gilt pieces in water or using harsh detergents that might damage the overglaze enamels and gold leaf.

How do I date a Japanese charger?

Examine the base, the style of the hand-painted motifs and the characteristics of the glaze. Works from the Meiji period often display specific aesthetic traits and kiln marks that separate them from later twentieth-century items.