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Ethics of restoring antique ceramics

Four principles guide every intervention, whatever level of restoration is chosen.

The principles

  • Intervene as little as possible on the object.
  • Keep the marks of time where appropriate.
  • Stay reversible: interventions use non-fired products and techniques, which can be undone.
  • Make the decor legible again.

Three levels of restoration

The level is chosen according to the condition of the object and its owner’s decision. Intermediate options exist between these three levels.

  • Minimal restoration

    The object is stabilised, without trying to erase its damage.

  • Conservation-restoration

    The museum practice: the object and its marks of time are preserved, with reversible interventions.

  • Illusionist restoration

    The decor is rebuilt so that the piece becomes legible again. The earthenware pieces in the gallery are restored this way.

Porcelain examples

  • A large round white porcelain dish decorated with blue bamboo and flowers, with a border of floral motifs.
    Chinese porcelain dish
  • An old white porcelain plate with blue bamboo and floral motifs and a small chip on the rim, on a white background.
    Chinese porcelain plate
  • An old white porcelain plate with pink, blue and yellow floral motifs and an orange rim, seen from above on a white background.
    Minton porcelain saucer

Earthenware examples

  • An old white earthenware jug with polychrome floral decoration, an animal-head spout and a twisted handle, on a white background.
    Moustiers earthenware jug
  • An old chipped white earthenware pot decorated with a blue fleur-de-lis and blue borders on a white background.
    Quimper earthenware pot

A piece to restore?

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