How do I clean a porcelain basket?

Dust gently with a soft, dry brush to protect delicate applied flowers and delicate openwork handles. Avoid soaking or using harsh detergents, especially on pieces featuring gold leaf gilding or delicate enamel work.

Are these baskets suitable for daily use?

Most antique pieces function best as decorative objects, centrepieces, or display items rather than for heavy daily service. The intricate pierced lattice walls and applied ceramic details are vulnerable to chips and knocks during routine handling.

How can I tell the period?

Examine the paste, glaze characteristics, and stylistic markers such as rococo revival curves or nineteenth-century neoclassical motifs. Maker marks, factory stamps, and the presence of parian ware or hand-painted enamels also help narrow down the date.