Pair of Double Gourd Vases, probably Dutch, c.1680

This late Seventeenth-Century rare pair of tin-glazed double gourd vases were probably made in the Low Countries. There is a distinct pinkish tone to the uneven glaze on the bases, often suggesting a London origin, however the overall smoothness of the surface points to Holland or Frankfurt. It is possible that they were made for the English market.

Both vases are painted in blue with Chinese figures in an Oriental landscape of rocks, ferns and shrubs. Designs such as this are based on Ming transitional porcelain.

Delftware of this type was enormously popular in Europe, particularly during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II in England. The inspiration for design would come from a mixture of imported Chinese porcelain and traditional European decoration. Many of the pieces would be highly-prized, reflecting new consumer powers along with refined tastes.

Condition: Very Good - the necks have been reduced slightly, probably to enhance the appearance of chipped rims in the Nineteenth Century, and there are just a couple of small chips to the footrims, with typical minor surface wear to the glaze in the form of the fine cracks and tiny abbrasions often associated with this brittle tin glaze. The pieces are incredibly tactile and display very well indeed.

Dimensions: Approximate Height 11" (27.9cm)

Jonathan Horne, Catalogues of an annual Collection of Early English Pottery, 1981-2008