Pair Of Polychrome Delft Earthenware Vases

Pair of polychrome Delft earthenware vases. Mark below the Greek A (De Grieksche A) Period 18th century Slight scratches, a broken vase H. 38 x D. 16 cm Delft earthenware is known to be one of the most beautiful earthenware of the 17th century and early 18th century 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 well as the practice of “five colors” (blue, yellow, green, red, black) as presented in our pair of vases. Far Eastern decorations, as well as scenes of European life, are presented on these "grand feu" earthenware. The polychromy highlights a rich decoration, this lively palette is particularly used for these so-called "cashmere" decorations. To understand this craze , we must 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 near the clay quarries and the ports which allow export, this activity develops. But it is in the 1640s that everything accelerates: the importation of Asian products decreases drastically, especially after the closure of the markets Chinese. Earthenware factories therefore multiplied in the city, from 1660 to 1700. We thus counted more than 30 workshops in the 17th century, including 'A Grec. The mark observed below the vases in our study was used between 1703 and 1722.