Fine dining often calls for a luxurious table setting. One of the most historic features of this custom is the charger plate; a decorative base for the practical plates and bowls to sit upon. As well as forming a charming display, chargers have also been produced as ceramic art in their own right for many hundreds of years. Whether a charger is hung on a wall, set up in a cabinet or simply found upon a table, their value and delicacy should always be considered.
Above: charger plates from a variety of eras and cultures
This article will explore the historic production of these popular antiques. Depending on the style, era and maker, charger plates can reach high results at auction and therefore require specialist care if they become damaged. Our objective is to restore plates with conservation methods, allowing for a clear and safe result.
Charger plate history
One of the first mentions of a charger plate and the most well-known is found in the New Testament, Mark 6:25 and Matthew 14:8, when Salome requests the head of Saint John the Baptist on a platter. This platter is often translated to a charger plate, especially by artists in later centuries. The word ‘charger’ was first used in the 13th century and comes from the Middle English ‘chargeour’ referring to its use as a loading dish.
Above: three 15th century European plates formed in brass and gilt metal
Whilst many charger plates are ceramic, they can also be made of a great deal of materials due to their use as a base rather than a plate to eat from. Therefore you may come across chargers formed of brass, bronze, wood, mother of pearl or a combination of inlaid or moulded decoration.
Above: a selection of Italian maiolica plates from the 16th century
From the 15th to 17th century, İznik pottery plates were being produced in the Ottoman Empire, specifically Anatolia. In renaissance Italy, the manufacturing of maiolica led to the creation of many impressive table settings. The charger plate was ideal for displaying the fine craftsmanship of the ceramic workshops, intricate designs and figurative scenes were painted beneath the tin-glazed surface. This highlights the fact that many of these plates would have not been produced for practical use and instead given as gifts or commissioned as valuable home decor.
Above: three delftware plates produced in the 17th century
In the 17th century, the production of glazed ceramics across Europe saw the popularity of Delftware in The Netherlands. By the 18th century, no aristocratic home was complete without a display of porcelain tableware with grand chargers as one of the central elements. Throughout the 19th century, chargers were a phrase that was interchangeable for practical plates used in the dinner service and decorative plates for display. In the antique and collectibles market today, a charger plate is primarily for display only.
Above: three charger plates from the late 19th century
Charger plates at auction
In 2018, a rare 15th century Iznik example named the ‘Debbane Charger’ sold for a record breaking £5.4 million at Sotheby’s London. In 2022, a Chinese red lacquer charger sold for over £200,000 despite being initially valued at £3,000.
In 2023, a maiolica charger valued at $15,000 to $25,000 US dollars sold for $50,400. This plate was notable for belonging to Baron Édouard de Rothschild, who had it confiscated by the Nazis and later recovered by the ‘Monuments Men’ in Austria.
Above: a selection of Iznik charger plates from the late 16th to 17th century
Charger plate care and display
As chargers were never intended to be eaten from, we recommend never using them for this as the materials may not always be food-safe. This is certainly the case after any object has been restored, in the past or recently, as the adhesives may fail if met with liquids and again will not be safe for food consumption.
Above: a plate by Enoch Wood & Sons (1818-1846) held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, displayed on a safe acrylic stand
Many chargers are displayed on walls using plate brackets or hooks that have been adhered to the back. The failure of plate display mechanisms is a typical reason for damage, whether this is due to a fall from height or chips and abrasions from the areas touching the display mechanism. Glues from adhesive hooks or metal additions for hanging purposes may also discolour and stain the plate over time. Museums and galleries would opt for a see-through perspex display stand, as this is not as likely to scratch or discolour the surface in the way a traditional metal version could. Clear perspex also allows for a good view from all sides.
Above: never pile plates like this unevenly, stack them neatly with a piece of thin protective foam or paper between each surface
Plates with high monetary or sentimental value are safer housed in a cabinet with a stand that is stable and sturdy. This ensures they cannot be easily knocked over or met with atmospheric contaminants. Antique charger plates should always be for display only, even using them as the intended base plate may cause risk so it is best to keep them on their stand. In some cases, a full frame might be more suitable for you rather than a cabinet, our team is happy to advise on safely framing ceramics in the same way you might protect a painting or work on paper.
When a plate is damaged, do not try to repair the damage yourself. Using household glues or amateaur kintsugi may create more damage than you expect. Over time these elements can discolour and worsen the plates overall condition. For a safe approach, collect all of the pieces (no matter how small) and our conservator will professionally bring them back together.
Charger plate restoration
Broken ceramic plates are restored not only from the front, but also the reverse. This allows for a clean and safe finish on both sides with a visually pleasing result. Our conservator only uses adhesives with low acidity, to ensure there is no discolouration or staining.
If needed, break lines can be gently filled and retouched with the same colour and patina, this is also the case when a plate is abraded or chipped. If areas are completely missing, these can be recreated.
Charger plates may benefit from a sensitive clean, ensuring any build-up of historic dirt or contamination is removed without harming the surface. We can also remove any residues from old hanging mechanisms and advise on a new, safer method for display.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about art restoration and conservation, please do not hesitate to get in touch. As part of our service we offer a nationwide collection and delivery service as well as information on worldwide shipping to our studio.
