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Antique Ceramics
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Antique Ceramics are old collectible items that were made from clay and fired in a kiln. Depending on the type of clay, which other elements have been mixed with it and the temperature at which it was fired, the end result may be referred to as porcelain, pottery or stoneware. There are then further terms used to distinguish different types including hard paste and soft paste porcelain, bone china, biscuit, earthenware and creamware. The word 'china' is not therefore used in the field of antiques except for bone china which is a hard paste porcelain mixed with animal bone ash to make it whiter. Types of Antique Ceramics Porcelain Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating raw materials, generally including clay in the form of kaolin, in a kiln. The toughness, strength, and translucence of porcelain arise mainly from the formation of glass and the mineral mullite within the fired body at these high temperatures. Stoneware Stoneware is a vitreous or semi-vitreous ceramic ware of fine texture made primarily from non-refractory fire clay. Stoneware has a wide range of uses, including: hotelware, kitchenware, cookware, garden products, electrical, chemical and laboratory ware. Creamware Creamware is a cream-coloured earthenware created about 1750 by the potters of Staffordshire, England, which proved ideal for domestic ware. It was popular until the 1820s. It was also known as tortoiseshellware or Prattware depending on the colour of glaze used. Care of Antique Ceramics Cleaning Remove dirt and dust from any decorative pieces with a dry artist's paintbrush before washing. Unrestored glazed ceramics can safely be washed in warm water with a little washing-up liquid. Never use abrasive cleaners or put antique pieces in the dishwasher. Unglazed pieces should not be soaked in water, nor should the unglazed foot-rims found on some glazed items. These should be cleaned with a soft cloth or cotton wool soaked in the soapy water. Objects with ormolu or other metal fittings or those mended with iron rivets should also not be soaked in water. The copper and iron rivets used to reinforce repairs often stain the surrounding ceramic. Copper stains can be removed with ammonia applied with cotton wool while a rust removal agent can be used on rust from iron rivets. Some stains on porcelain can be removed by applying a solution of 20-volume hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. The solution should be left in position for an hour or two but not allowed to dry out. Place the object in a plastic bag to retain the moisture and check from time to time to see if the solutions needs re-applying. The 20-volume hydrogen peroxide and ammonia solution should not be applied to pieces with gilt or lustre decoration. Environmental Care Ceramics can be affected by strong light and by extreme fluctuations of temperature and humidity. Strong sunlight can cause an area of some types of ceramic to fade and adhesives used in restoration can be discoloured or weakened by strong light or water. Unglazed pottery will absorb water and any impurities it contains may result in staining. On unglazed pieces, greasy fingerprints can leave indelible marks. Movement and Handling Always pick up an item by the body, avoiding an extremity such as a handle, spout or head. Support the base and be careful of loose parts such as lids. It is helpful to place items on a felt or chamois pad cut to fit the base which will also protect the shelf or piece of furniture beneath. 
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