How to buy Slip-painted ceramics

• Look at the unglazed foot ring — it shows the body clay (red earthenware or white stonepaste).
• Hand-painted decoration has slight variation in line weight and colour; transfers look perfectly even.
• Tap gently: a dull sound may indicate a hidden crack or old repair.
• Examine the glaze under raking light for crazing, chips and retouching.

Typical materials: clay.

• Decal or transfer printing sold as hand-painted.
• Artificial ageing (dirt rubbed into new pieces sold as antique).
• Antique claims with no provenance.

A genuine Slip-painted ceramics piece should come with a named place of making in Iran (often hamadan) and a clear statement that it is handmade.

• Is the decoration hand-painted?
• Is the glaze food-safe (lead-free)?
• Has the piece been restored?

• Treat decorative and older pieces as display-only unless the maker confirms food safety.
• Wash by hand in lukewarm water with mild soap; avoid dishwashers.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes, which cause cracking.

• Store with soft padding between pieces.
• Keep away from shelf edges and vibration.

Ask for double-boxing with padding; fragile pieces are best insured.

• Antique Persian small bowl, enamel 19th century, hand-painted · Illustrative example · not for sale here

This guide is educational. It cannot confirm that any particular object is genuine, old or valuable. For important purchases, ask an independent specialist. Read the full Slip-painted ceramics entry.