Q:Can I use my 20th-century English porcelain dishes in the microwave?

A:Probably. But you should not use dishes in the microwave that have gold or silver trim. It will spark and may damage the dishes. Crazed porcelain or pottery should not be used in the microwave because the glaze may pop off. Try putting a perfect dish in the microwave next to a glass measuring cup filled with a half cup of cold water. Heat on high for about a minute. If the dish is very hot but the water cold, the dish is not meant to be used in a microwave.