How do I care for antique porcelain dishes?

Wash these pieces by hand using warm water and a mild detergent, avoiding dishwashers entirely to protect the glaze and any overglaze enamels or gold leaf. Store them securely on padded plate stands or flat in lined cabinets to prevent edge chipping on delicate lobed or scalloped rims.

Were these dishes used for dining?

Many smaller forms, such as pickle dishes and dessert plates, served practical functions at dining tables during the 18th and 19th centuries. Larger chargers and deeply potted bowls were often intended for display, serving as centrepieces on sideboards or dining tables.

How do I identify a Kangxi period dish?

Kangxi period pieces typically exhibit a brilliant, vibrant cobalt blue underglaze applied to a dense, fine white porcelain body with smooth glazing. Many bear reign marks or symbolic censer marks on the base, though unmasked export pieces rely on stylistic painting conventions for dating. The brushwork on these pieces is exceptionally fluid, frequently depicting landscapes, dragons or floral sprays with distinct shading known as 'master of the rocks'.

What is the difference between Arita and Imari?

Arita is the Japanese town and region where the porcelain clay was mined and fired, serving as the historical centre of Japanese ceramic production. Imari was simply the port from which these Arita wares were shipped to Europe, leading Western collectors to name the distinct blue, red and gold style after the port town.