A small Delft earthenware blue and white vase, late 17th century

A small Delft earthenware blue and white vase, late 17th century, in the Transitional style, of ovoid form with tapering foot and short rim, the body painted with a continuous scene of travellers in a rocky landscape, one pair resting under a small pine while another pair meet under a spreading tree, all wearing traditional Chinese garments, below a band of floral scroll to the neck, with further bands of stiff leaves to the rim and foot, the base with a three-stroke mark.

Height: 14.5cm. (5 3/4in.)

Condition: Rim fritting.

Notes:

The shape and decoration of this vase is based on Chongzhen (1628-44) porcelain, which was highly sought after in the Netherlands but unaffordable for any but the most affluent. Cheaper, domestically produced alternatives were in high demand, and Dutch potters who were already producing a range of faïence wares adapted to produce pottery in imitation of Chinese types. Chongzhen and other Transitional shapes and styles were popular, and particularly so in the 17th century as the turmoil of civil war during the transition from Ming to Qing affected both the production and trade of Chinese ceramics. While some European Chongzhen-inspired pieces remained faithful to their Asian models, many other potters either approximated with a general ‘chinoiserie’ design or completely adapted the style to depict European subjects.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Condition report

Stock number