Paar grote polychrome Delftse knobbelvazen - Vase - Earthenware

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

A particularly decorative and imposing pair of polychrome Delft ware knobble vases, probably produced in the second half of the 19th century, after early 18th-century Delft models.

Both vases have a beautiful architectural, multi-part form: a scalloped foot with above it a large bulbous body, a slender mid-neck and a second bulbous element, ending in a flared scalloped mouth. With a height of 42.5 cm, the vases have an impressive presence and form a typical example of Delft earthenware (Delftware) from the 19th century, executed as polychrome decorative antique in the form of a monumental knobble 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 in turn was strongly influenced by East Asian porcelain. The combination of the large size, the unusual double knobble form and the very dense polychrome painting makes this a particularly striking pair.

On the underside there is a red hand-painted mark/signature. The exact maker has not been identified with certainty.

Dating: probably 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 condition, appropriate to age and material. There is visible glaze and material loss at the scalloped upper edges and the base edges. In at least one vase a hairline crack is visible from the top edge. Furthermore there are typical glaze irregularities and fritting.

The extensive photos well show the condition, painting and age-related signs 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.