How do I display a cabinet plate?

Cabinet plates with decorative painted scenes look best mounted securely on walls using specialist brass hangers or stood upright on dedicated plate rails. Keep them away from direct sunlight to preserve the pigments of hand-painted fruit and floral designs.

Are antique chargers safe for food?

Many early earthenware and delft chargers have porous bodies or lead-based glazes that are unsuitable for serving acidic foods today. It is safer to reserve these older pieces for decorative display rather than daily culinary use.

What is the difference between porcelain and earthenware?

Porcelain is fired at much higher temperatures until the clay vitrifies into a dense, non-porous material that often appears translucent under strong light. Earthenware remains softer and more porous, requiring a complete glaze coating to hold liquids.