Blue and White Lidded Faience Urns by Tichelaar Makkum, 1930s, Set of 2

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Exceptional matching pair of large blue and white lidded faience vases by tichelaar makkum, friesland, netherlands, dating to circa 1930. … Read more Exceptional matching pair of large blue and white lidded faience vases by tichelaar makkum, friesland, netherlands, dating to circa 1930. Standing approximately 40 cm high with a diameter of about 22 cm, these impressive covered vases are notable not only for their elegant scale, but also for their remarkably refined and lightweight construction. At only around 2 kg each, they are unusually thin-walled for pieces of this size, giving them a distinctly delicate and finely crafted character. The faceted baluster-form bodies are richly hand-painted in cobalt blue on a warm white ground. Large central reserves depict stylized floral bouquets rising from classical urns, framed by scrolling foliate ornament and alternating vertical panels with elongated botanical motifs. The shoulders and lower borders are further enriched with dense floral decoration and geometric banding, while the tall domed lids continue the same intricate ornamental vocabulary. The result is a beautifully balanced and highly decorative composition that reflects both the dutch delft tradition and the long-standing influence of chinoiserie on dutch ceramic design. These vases were made in the historic pottery tradition of makkum faience, one of the netherlands’ most respected ceramic traditions. Produced as tin-glazed earthenware, each vessel was formed in clay, coated in an opaque white tin glaze, and then carefully hand-painted in cobalt blue before firing. This traditional method gives the decoration its characteristic depth, tonal variation, and lively brushwork, all of which remain clearly visible here. Particularly appealing is the quality of execution. The large scale, paired with the surprisingly light weight, points to a controlled and skillful production process. Creating vessels of this size with such a comparatively fine ceramic body required confidence in shaping, drying, glazing, and firing, and contributes greatly to their elegance. Both vases retain their matching original lids and form a highly decorative and harmonious pair. They are hand-marked underneath with the characteristic tichelaar shield mark inscribed “holland”, together with the number 494, understood as the model or pattern number. A striking pair of early 20th-century dutch decorative ceramics, ideal for traditional, eclectic, chinoiserie, or contemporary interiors. Dimensions (each): height: 40 cm diameter: 22 cm weight: approx. 2 kg origin: makkum, friesland, netherlands manufacturer: tichelaar makkum period: circa 1930 material: tin-glazed earthenware / faience technique: hand-formed, tin-glazed, hand-painted this piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution,
up to 250v (europe/uk standard).the wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less