Paar grote polychrome Delftse knobbelvazen - Vase - Earthenware

Two large polychrome Delft earthenware knobbed vases – 19th century – 42.5 cm

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

Both vases have a fine architectural, multi-part form: a fluted foot with above it a large bulbous body, a slim waisted neck, and a second bulbous element, ending in an outward fluted mouth. With a height of 42.5 cm, the vases present an impressive silhouette and form a typical example of Delftware from the 19th century, executed as polychrome decorative antiques in the form of a monumental knob vase.

The surface is almost entirely hand-painted with a especially rich polychrome floral decor. Different tones 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 heavily influenced by East Asian porcelain. The combination of the large size, the unusual double knobbed form, and the very dense polychrome painting makes this a particularly striking pair.

At the bottom there is a red hand-painted maker’s mark/signature. The exact manufacturer has not been determined with certainty.

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

Conditon

The vases are in an antique, used condition, appropriate to age and material. There is visible glaze and material loss at the fluted upper edges and the base edges. In at least one vase a hairline crack from the upper edge is visible. Furthermore there are typical glaze irregularities and fritting.

The extensive photos faithfully show the condition, painting and age-related wear and form an important part of the description.

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