Are these vases waterproof for fresh flowers?

Porous terracotta and earthenware absorb moisture and can seep water through the body unless fitted with an internal glass or ceramic liner. Confit pots and fully glazed vessels hold water better, but hairline fractures remain a risk. Dry stems or artificial arrangements suit unglazed ancient and 19th-century decorative pieces best. Check the interior glaze before filling any vessel.

How can I tell a reproduction from an antique?

Examine the base and interior for tool marks, wear patterns, and the natural oxidation of older clay bodies. Antique pieces show age-appropriate surface consistency and mineral deposits on older archaeological items. Compare the weight, glaze pooling, and stylistic details against documented examples from the same period. Modern copies often mimic surface wear artificially without matching historical weight distribution.

What is the difference between terracotta and majolica?

Terracotta is unglazed or simply sealed fired red clay that showcases the natural porous earth body. Majolica applies an opaque tin glaze over the earthenware, creating a smooth white surface for colourful painted decoration. Both use similar base clays, but their surface treatments create entirely different visual textures. Majolica shines with vitreous colour, while terracotta highlights matte earthen warmth.