How do I hang antique ceramic wall art safely?

Most pieces feature original wiring, recessed slots or fitted wooden frames designed for wall hanging. Ensure any mounting hardware matches the weight of the ceramic and the accompanying frame. For heavier items like porcelain chargers or terracotta relief plaques, consult a professional framer to verify that the hanging fixings remain secure before mounting them on a wall.

Were these ceramic plaques meant for walls?

Yes, many porcelain plaques and decorative tiles were manufactured specifically for interior wall display, often housed within bespoke wooden or giltwood frames. Makers produced them as independent artworks rather than functional tableware. Architectural tiles and wall pockets were likewise designed from inception to be fixed onto or hung directly against domestic wall surfaces.

How do I distinguish between transfer printing and hand-painting?

Hand-painted ceramic art displays subtle brushstrokes, slight variations in pigment density, and individual artist signatures or factory decorators' marks. Examination under a magnifying glass often reveals the raised texture of enamel or pate-sur-pate work. Transfer-printed designs show a uniform dot pattern or continuous unbroken lines under magnification, lacking the organic variation found in direct brushwork.

How should I clean and care for ceramic wall pieces?

Dust these items gently with a soft, dry brush to prevent accumulation on textured surfaces or within carved wooden frames. Avoid using water or liquid cleaners, particularly on pieces with exposed earthenware or delicate enamel decorations. Keep ceramic wall art away from direct sunlight and areas of high humidity to protect fragile glazes and organic mounting materials over time.