How do I clean a tin glazed dish?

Clean these fragile earthenwares gently by hand using lukewarm water and mild soap, avoiding abrasive pads or soaking. Dry them immediately with a soft cloth to protect the porous historic body and the delicate tin glaze surface.

Can I use these dishes for food?

Historic tin glazed pottery is generally unsuited for modern culinary use due to potential glaze degradation, historical repairs, and the porous nature of earthenware. Display them safely on plate stands or wall mounts to preserve their painted surfaces.

What is the difference between delft and faience?

Delft specifically refers to tin-glazed earthenware produced in the Netherlands, particularly around Delft, famous for its blue and white designs. Faience is the broader continental term used for similar tin-glazed ceramics made in France, Spain, and Italy.

How can I tell an eighteenth-century plate apart from a nineteenth-century one?

Eighteenth-century examples often display looser brushwork, tin glazes with characteristic pooling or edge fritting, and distinct earthenware body densities. Nineteenth-century revival pieces tend to feature more uniform glazes and manufacturing techniques inspired by earlier styles.