Chinoiserie Chic: Caring for Chinese Porcelain

Legend Accents Playing Foo Dogs Temple Jar

There is Chinese porcelain that has lasted for hundreds and even thousands of years. Caring for your collection of Chinese porcelain - ginger jars, vases, garden stools, and such, unless they are museum quality antiques behind glass, need only involve a few easy steps.

Dry dusting is usually all that is needed. Use a soft duster or microfiber cloth. For special pieces, a great duster is a natural bristle makeup brush or artist's brush. And use a delicate touch dusting.

This is my favorite heirloom quality duster that I have owned for years -

Redecker Goat Hair Duster with Pearwood Handle

If washing is required, use lukewarm water with a few drops of blue Dawn dish liquid. I like to line my sink with an old towel. Dry with a soft towel.

Never use abrasive cleaners or pads. Never use the dishwasher.

If you find really grungy chinoiserie pots or vases at a yard sale, Bon Ami is gentle enough to use on porcelain. It can be used on the inside and outside of soiled and stained Chinese porcelain, gently rubbing with a cloth or sponge. This is for yard sale type pieces - not priceless antiques.

Here are some lovely blue and white Chinese porcelain pieces from Legend Accents.

Legend Accents is a premier home decor brand specializing in high-fired, handmade Chinese porcelain. Their collections are crafted in small family workshops in China using generations-old traditions, and feature iconic motifs like dragons, foo dogs, and floral arrangements in traditional blue-and-white, coral red, and celadon.

Find the temple jar above here.