NEW YORK — Cheese keepers come in a variety of forms and with all manner of decoration, but they are arguably at their best when they are bold and lavish. Among the most beloved styles of these covered cheese dishes, aka Stilton dishes, are examples made in majolica. As a ceramics form, majolica was highly popular in the Victorian era — it was more affordable than porcelain, so it was accessible to more homes. By the early 20th century, it was supplanted by more modern materials as consumer tastes changed and as the dangers posed to workers who applied the colorful lead glazes became known. Today, majolica cheese keepers remain highly prized by collectors and those who appreciate fine ceramics.