How do I use a pot pourri vase?

Place dried scented petals inside the ceramic body and put the pierced cover back on top to let the fragrance diffuse naturally into the room. Many pieces include a solid inner lid that you can close when you want to contain the scent. Keep the vessel away from direct sunlight and damp spots to preserve both the porcelain glaze and the dried botanicals inside.

How can I tell the period of a piece?

Look at the manufacturing style, the ceramic body and any factory marks stamped or painted on the base. Nineteenth century pieces often feature ornate hand painted scenes or ormolu mounts, while twentieth century items frequently display specific factory pattern codes and artist signatures. Comparing the shape number and ground colour against known production periods helps narrow down the exact decade of manufacture.

What is blush ivory porcelain?

Blush ivory is a soft, matte cream coloured ceramic finish developed during the Victorian era and used extensively by makers such as Royal Worcester. The surface mimics ivory and provides a muted background for delicate hand painted flowers and gilt highlights. This finish is characteristic of late nineteenth and early twentieth century English decorative ceramics.

Why do some vases have metal mounts?

Continental porcelain houses frequently added ormolu or gilt bronze mounts to enhance the decorative presence of lidded jars and urns. These metal additions provided sturdy bases, ornate handles and decorative rims that complemented the painted porcelain bodies. French and German makers utilised this technique extensively during the nineteenth century.