How do I clean antique ceramics safely?

Dust pieces gently with a soft dry brush and avoid submerging items with metallic gilding in water. Harsh detergents and scrubbing brushes can damage fragile overglaze enamel painting and nineteenth-century gold leaf.

Can I use old ceramic plates for food?

Most antique decorative plates and chargers are best reserved for display rather than daily dining use. Glazes from earlier centuries can contain lead, and the painted surfaces are susceptible to scratching from modern cutlery.

What is the difference between porcelain and earthenware?

Porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a dense, vitrified body that often appears translucent when held to the light. Earthenware is softer, opaque and more porous, requiring an impermeable glaze to hold liquids effectively.

How do I identify the period of a ceramic piece?

Examine the base for factory marks, pattern names, decorator signatures and impressed numbers that correspond to historical production records. The style of the painting, the weight of the clay body and the character of the glaze also offer strong chronological clues.