Set Of Delft Vases

Set of a pair of vases and a larger covered vase in Delft earthenware. They are decorated with a countryside scene in the center, also decorated with foliage, friezes and faces in relief in shades of blue. Mark below the whole of the Porcelain Claw (“Porceleyne Claeuw) Period 18th century Usual restorations H. 36 cm Delft earthenware is known to be one of the most beautiful earthenware of the 17th century and early 18th century. This creation center then manufactures all kinds of pieces: dishes, plates, ewers, etc. Its shiny appearance is one of its primary characteristics, making it as close as possible to the Chinese porcelain that we wish to imitate. Among the decorations and types of earthenware produced, European decorations in shades of blue are very popular, as presented in our set of vases. Whether scenes of European life, landscapes, seaside views, biblical representations, these “grand feu” earthenware testify to this taste for ceramics. To understand this craze, we have to go back to 1508 when the Venetian Guido Andriesz introduced the earthenware technique to Holland. Around 1585, Italian majolica specialists, then established in Antwerp, had to emigrate to Delft following Spanish abuses. The city of Delft being close to clay quarries and ports which allow export, this activity is developing. But it was in the 1640s that everything accelerated: the importation of Asian products decreased drastically, particularly after the closure of the Chinese markets. Earthenware factories therefore multiplied in the city, from 1660 to 1700. There were more than 30 workshops in the 17th century, including the Griffe de Porcelaine. The mark observed below the vases in our study was used between 1705 and 1770.