Tin-glazed Flower Brick, probably London, c.1750

This delft flower brick is painted in blue with an oriental design consisting of rocks, foliage and flying insects. There are twelve small round holes in the top, arranged around a large central square opening. This surface is painted with a geometrical design of lines and crosses. The body has a yellowish tinge where the glaze is at its thinnest.

It is likely that this example was made in London, probably Lambeth, around 1750.

Flower bricks were probably intended to hold arrangements of dried flowers in the perforations, a purpose similar to that of 18th Century ceramic wall-pockets and cornucopias.

Condition: Very Good - no restoration or over-painting, just a few small chips to the top rim, two of which evidently occurred during manufacture, as can be seen in the unevenness in one corner of the top surface. The glaze has a wonderful texture, and the piece is incredibly tactile.

Delft flower bricks are highly desirable items, and this example would enhance any collection of Georgian pottery.

Dimensions: Length 5 3/4" (14.6cm); Height 3 1/2" (8.9cm); Width 2 1/4" (5.7cm)

Delftware: The Tin-glazed Earthenware of the British Isles, Michael Archer (V&A/HMSO, 1997).

English Delftware, F.H. Garner and Michael Archer (Faber & Faber, 1972).