Plateware

Plateware refers to the category of tableware items designed to hold and present solid foods on a dining surface. The core items are plates in various sizes, including dinner plates, luncheon plates, salad plates, and dessert plates, as well as charger plates used for presentation and serving platters.

Traditional plateware is made from ceramic materials such as porcelain, bone china, stoneware, and earthenware. Porcelain and bone china are translucent and durable, while stoneware and earthenware are more opaque and vary in strength. Other common materials include glass, tempered glass, and, for casual settings, melamine and other plastic composites. Plateware is typically glazed to seal the ceramic and provide a finish that resists staining.

Ceramic plates are formed by wheel throwing, slip casting, or mold pressing, then dried, glazed, and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. The glaze adds a protective surface and enables decoration via decals or hand painting. Modern production often uses printed patterns and mass production techniques, while fine or collectible pieces may show hand-painted detailing.

Plateware has ancient roots in various cultures. Early dining wares were simple ceramic dishes; the development of durable porcelain in China influenced global tableware. European producers began creating high-fired porcelain in the 18th century, with later innovations in bone china and mass-produced designs in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, plateware ranges from economical everyday sets to high-end artisanal pieces.

Care depends on material: porcelain and bone china are typically dishwasher- and microwave-safe, though glazes and decorations may require gentle handling. Sizes vary by region, but common ranges include dinner plates around 25–30 cm (10–12 in), luncheon plates 20–25 cm (8–10 in), and dessert plates about 15 cm (6 in). In formal service, a charger sits beneath the dinner plate as a decorative base.