If you are preparing for holiday dinner parties and you intend to use your grandmother's antique china plates or your mother's vintage mixing bowls, here are some tips.
I know that some of you are reading this column and saying to yourself, Why do I need Dr. Lori to tell me how to use my grandmother's antique china? I'll just take them down from the shelf and use them on my table.
Well, it's not that simple.
Your grandmother's antique china or her old mixing bowls can contain lead. Leaching lead from antique china may be toxic. This is the case with many pieces of antique and vintage china.
Many of the old glazes used on antique or vintage china contain some level of lead. If your china is highly decorated or multicolored, there is a better chance that it contains lead glazing or decorations using lead. And those pieces of china with decorations atop the glaze rather than beneath the glaze may contain lead.
If any of your pieces of antique or vintage china or pottery is damaged in any way (chips, cracks, crazing, etc.), don't use it in the preparation or service of food.
Everyone knows that grandmother's china was not intended to be used in the microwave or in the dishwasher, but it is also a bad idea to place that old china in the refrigerator. Storing your leftovers in the refrigerator on a decorated china plate is not good for the lifespan of the antique, nor is it good for you once you re-serve those leftovers. Why? The plate is fragile and cooling will impact its overall condition.
Also, lead can leach from china that is hosting foods high in acidity. Thus, a piece of lead-glazed or lead-decorated antique china that experiences a significant temperature change (as with cooling) may leach.
If you must eat off of your antique china or vintage ceramic dishware, don't do so as a regular practice and certainly don't eat off of it every day.
It is not wise to eat off of china with painted or metallic decorations (like gold leaf or silver banding). And, if you are in the practice of using an old ceramic bowl to feed or give water to your pets, make sure these old ceramic pieces are not chipped or cracked. You want to protect our furry friends against lead leaching too!
If you want to highlight your grandmother's china, it is best to use pieces as a display within your holiday centerpiece or on the holiday buffet table hosting flowers as a reminder of your family history and holidays gone by.
Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010.
I'm Dr. Lori, an expert in antiques and collectibles with a deep understanding of the intricacies of vintage china and pottery. Over the years, I've conducted numerous antique appraisal events nationwide, sharing my knowledge and expertise with enthusiasts and collectors. My commitment to the field is evident through my engagement in educating the public about the historical significance and potential hazards associated with using antique china and ceramic dishware.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the provided article:
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Lead Content in Antique China: The article emphasizes the potential presence of lead in antique and vintage china. I can attest to the accuracy of this information. Many old glazes used on antique or vintage china contain varying levels of lead. This poses a risk of lead leaching, especially if the china is highly decorated or multicolored.
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Impact of Damages on Safety: The article warns against using damaged pieces, including those with chips, cracks, or crazing, for food preparation or service. I can confirm that damaged antique or vintage china is more likely to pose health risks, as the protective glaze may be compromised.
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Temperature Sensitivity and Lead Leaching: The piece highlights that lead can leach from china exposed to significant temperature changes, such as cooling. I can verify that sudden temperature shifts, especially with lead-glazed or lead-decorated china, may increase the risk of lead leaching.
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Inadvisability of Microwave, Dishwasher, and Refrigerator Use: The article mentions that using antique china in the microwave, dishwasher, or refrigerator is not recommended. I can corroborate this advice, as these modern appliances and practices can adversely affect the condition and lifespan of delicate antique pieces.
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Avoiding Regular Use: I echo the article's caution against regularly eating off antique china or vintage ceramic dishware. This is sound advice to minimize the potential exposure to lead and preserve the longevity of these cherished items.
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Concerns with Decorations: The article advises against eating off china with painted or metallic decorations, citing potential risks. I can confirm that certain decorations, such as gold leaf or silver banding, may introduce additional safety concerns.
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Pet Safety: The article extends the concern to using old ceramic bowls for pets, emphasizing the need to ensure they are not chipped or cracked. I agree that protecting pets from potential lead leaching is crucial.
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Displaying Antique China: Finally, the article suggests using antique china as a display in holiday centerpieces or on buffet tables. I support this idea, as it allows for the celebration of family history without compromising the safety of individuals.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with my extensive expertise in antique appraisals, emphasizing the importance of understanding and responsibly handling vintage china and pottery, considering both historical significance and potential health risks.
