How should owners care for Ćmielów porcelain with heavy gilding?

Gilded Ćmielów porcelain deserves gentle treatment, especially on edges and handles where hands touch the surface most often. Hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild, non-abrasive detergent keeps the gold decoration bright. Soft sponges or cloths prevent scratching, and stacking plates with thin felt or paper between them reduces friction that can wear away gilded rims. Strong temperature shocks are best avoided, so cups should not move directly from very hot liquids to cold rinses. For storage, closed cabinets reduce exposure to airborne grease and dust, which can dull both glaze and metal. Very old or finely painted pieces benefit from display stands that support them at several points, spreading the load rather than pressing on a single rim. By treating gilded porcelain as both a functional object and a small work of applied art, collectors can keep decoration intact for a long time, even if the set sees regular use at festive meals.