How were delft plates used?

Large chargers and decorative plates were primarily displayed on walls or sideboards as ornamental objects rather than utilised for everyday dining. Their tin-glazed surfaces provided a striking visual element in domestic interiors. Smaller plates occasionally served functional roles at table during earlier periods before transitioning into decorative display items collected for their artistry.

How do I date a delft plate?

Dating relies on examining the characteristics of the earthenware body, the tint of the tin glaze, and the style of the hand-painted cobalt decoration. Seventeenth-century pieces often display thicker bodies and different blue hues compared to eighteenth-century examples. Secondary clues include the footrim formation and the complexity of the painted motifs, which evolved alongside changing European ceramic traditions.

What is the difference between a plate and a charger?

A charger is substantially larger than a standard plate, typically measuring well over twelve inches in diameter. These substantial pieces were designed specifically for visual impact. Plates are smaller in scale and were produced in larger quantities for table service or modest wall display.

Why are some delft pieces polychrome?

While cobalt blue remains standard, some workshops introduced additional colours like iron red and green alongside the blue pigment. English and continental makers expanded their palettes to create varied floral and pictorial designs. These polychrome examples require separate firing stages for the additional pigments.

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Vintage Blue Delft Plate

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These vintage blue delft plate examples bring tin-glazed earthenware into modern interiors with hand-painted cobalt pigment.

18th century

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An 18th Century Delft Plate.

From Youngs Antiques

£120

FOR SALE

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Vintage Blue Delft Plate

An 18th Century Delft Plate.

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