Paar grote polychrome Delftse knobbelvazen - Vase - Earthenware

Two large polychrome Delft knobble vases – 19th century – 42.5 cm

Exceptionally decorative and imposing, a pair of polychrome Delft earthenware knobble vases, probably produced in the second half of the 19th century, after early 18th‑century Delft examples.

Both vases feature a fine architectural, multi-section form: a beaded foot with above it a large bulbous body, a slim waist, and a second bulbous element, ending in a flaring, beaded mouth. With their height of 42.5 cm they present an impressive presence and are a typical example of 19th‑century Delft earthenware (Delftware), executed as polychrome decorative antique in the form of a monumental knob vase.

The surface is almost completely hand-painted with a particularly rich polychrome floral decoration. Various shades of cobalt blue and light blue are combined with iron red, green, yellow and brown tones. Flowers, tendrils, stylized leaves, cartouches and ornamental fields run around the vases.

The decoration is inspired by the well‑known early 18th‑century Delft “cashmere palette,” which in turn was heavily influenced by East Asian porcelain. The combination of the large size, the unusual double knob shape and the very dense polychrome painting makes this a particularly striking pair.

On the underside there is a red hand-painted maker’s mark/signature. The precise manufacturer has not been established with certainty.

Dating: probably the second half of the 19th century, circa 1860–1890.
Origin/style: Delft / in the tradition of polychrome Delftware.
Material: tin-glazed earthenware.
Height: approx. 42.5 cm per vase.
Quantity: 2.

Condition

The vases are in an antique, used state, appropriate for their age and material. There is visible glaze and material loss at the beaded upper rims and the resting rims. In at least one vase a hairline/crack is visible from the top edge. Additionally there are typical glaze irregularities and fritting.

The extensive photos give a good impression of the condition, painting and age-related traces and form an important part of the description.

An impressive pair of large polychrome Delft knobble vases, with a particularly rich cashmere-inspired decoration and a strong decorative presence.