Chinaware Inspection
When it comes to investing money in buying delicate materials such as chinaware, it is important to be aware of counterfeits. You should also carefully evaluate the china before you make any purchase, so that you are sure that you get a reasonable value for your money.
First, you should examine the foot and the back of your china. Assess if it’s glazed or unglazed. Most china (fine or bone) has unglazed foot, so this will require you to adequately space your plates in your cabinet. Check if the label is easily read. Beware of fake ones, because imitation marks are intentionally misspelled. So, something that reads ‘Herind’ is actually Herend, which is the original.
Then, examine the front of the plate if the glaze is brilliant. Spode, a well known bone china manufacturer since 1800 in England , makes use of lead glazes to ensure the brilliance of the plate. Don’t worry, as long as you don’t use your fine china every single day, the lead won’t have negative health effects.
Another thing is to look at the decorations. Mottahedeh specializes on porcelain (handicraft brass) and has designs that are extravagant and unique. Make sure to check if the decorations are properly positioned. Rub with your finger, and make sure that the designs do not sink too deep on the glaze.
Overall, the china that you will purchase should be properly assessed, to ensure its durability and quality.