17th-Century Dutch Delft Large Underglaze Blue Chinoiserie Salad Dish

Details

Description

Blue & White Dynasty: Large 17th-Century Dutch Delft Chinoiserie Dish

Step back to the late 17th century with this magnificent, … Read more Blue & White Dynasty: Large 17th-Century Dutch Delft Chinoiserie Dish

Step back to the late 17th century with this magnificent, large Dutch Delft Faience Salad Dish, dating from circa 1690. This piece is a superb example of European craftsmanship directly inspired by the highly coveted ceramics of the Chinese Transition Period.

Dimensions: 15 1/2 inches diameter x 2 1/4 inches high (39.37 cm diameter x 5.72 cm deep)

Design and Detail:

The dish, with its deep well and wide rim flange, is entirely decorated in vibrant underglaze blue. The central well features a detailed Chinoiserie scene populated by large Chinese figures gathered in an elaborate garden setting:

Three central figures are positioned near a fence beneath a leafy tree. One figure, holding a closed fan, reaches out to receive a dish from a companion.

A fourth figure stands at the edge of the wide rim, watching the central exchange.

The remainder of the wide, flaring rim is densely decorated with characteristic Chinese-style rockwork, large pine trees, and trailing vegetation.

The entire effect is a beautiful translation of the complex, narrative landscape painting of Chinese porcelain into the softer, characteristic blue and white palette of Delftware.

Historical Context: The Delft-China Connection

This dish originates from the peak period of Delftware production (Dutch faience) in the Netherlands. Following the massive disruption of ceramic trade from China during the Ming-Qing transition, Dutch potters in Delft successfully stepped in to replicate and innovate upon popular Chinese Blue & White porcelain.

This particular style, with its focus on narrative scenes and expressive figures, is directly "after the Chinese Transition Period Blue & White porcelain." The dish is a testament to the technical skill of the Delft artisans who managed to capture the aesthetic spirit of the exotic originals on their earthenware bodies.

The design is closely associated with the major Delft factories of the time. According to reference materials, a very similar design was produced at the Drie Posteleyne Astonne (The Three Porcelain Ash-Barrels) factory, owned by Gerrit Pietesz Kam, underscoring this piece's connection to one of the premier workshops of the Golden Age of Delftware.

Reference:

Delftware: The French Connection, A Parisian Private Collection And Other Recent Acquisitions, Aronson Delftware, Page 20, #6 (Illustrates a very similar design on a dish marked for Gerrit Pietesz Kam, owner of the Drie Posteleyne Astonne factory).

Ref: NY9997B-Nrrr) See less