Paar grote polychrome Delftse knobbelvazen - Vase - Earthenware

A pair of large polychrome Delftware knobbed vases – 19th century – 42.5 cm

Remarkably decorative and imposing pair of polychrome Delftware knobbed vases, presumably produced in the second half of the 19th century, after early 18th-century Delft examples.

Both vases feature a handsome architectural, multi-part form: a stepped foot with above it a large bulbous body, a slender waist, and a second bulbous element, ending in an outwardly flared stepped rim. With their height of 42.5 cm they have an impressive presence and form a typical example of Delftware from the 19th century, executed as polychrome decorative antique in the form of a monumental knobbed vase.

The surface is almost entirely 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 was strongly influenced by East Asian porcelain. The combination of large size, the unusual double knobbed form, and the very dense polychrome painting makes this a particularly striking pair.

At the base there is a red hand-painted mark/signature. The exact maker has not been established with certainty.

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

Condition

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

The extensive photographs give a good impression of the condition, decoration and age-related marks and form an important part of the description.

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