How do I know if a plate is from the Kangxi period?

Kangxi period pieces often feature deep cobalt blue underglaze painting with high clarity and specific floral or symbolic marks on the base. Stylistic cues include vibrant blue rendering and finely potted hard-paste porcelain. Examining the foot rim and the texture of the glaze helps confirm the period. Many genuine examples also carry apocryphal marks or specific leaf and art symbols rather than imperial text.

What is the difference between Famille Rose and Famille Verte?

Famille Verte relies predominantly on green enamel tones combined with iron red, yellow, and blue, coming to prominence in the 17th century. Famille Rose emerged later, defined by the introduction of an opaque pink enamel. The colour palette shift allows collectors to date pieces visually. Famille Rose offers softer pinks and purples, while Famille Verte presents a more vibrant, leaf-green dominant scheme.

Were these plates used for dining or display?

While many standard plates served practical dining functions in European and domestic households, large chargers and armorial dishes were primarily intended for display. Wealthy families placed them on sideboards to signal status. Export wares made for Western markets often fulfilled specific dining requirements, such as soup plates and octagonal platters. Imperial pieces, however, remained within palace precincts for ceremonial use.