Delft Set – 3pcs, Small Vases, Delft Blue Tradition / Eclecticism (6095)

Vase with lid: height 35.5 cm, width ~17.5 cm. Vases without lid (2 pcs.): height 26 cm, width ~15 cm.

Production period
Netherlands, brand “Delfts”, approx. mid-20th century (1940s–1970s). Delft blue tradition / Eclecticism.

This three-piece vase set with the characteristic blue and white Delft decor is produced in the Netherlands and marked with “Delfts” – an italicized script with floral ornamentation, typical for Dutch faience marking from the mid-20th century. Delft blue ceramics is one of the most recognized European decorative art traditions, with roots in the Netherlands in the 17th century, when artisans in Delft began to imitate Chinese blue-and-white porcelain and created their own unique faience style. Through the centuries, this tradition became a symbol of Dutch cultural identity, and in the 20th century, it was continued by both large factories (Royal Delft / De Porceleyne Fles, founded 1653) and many smaller manufactories. The mark “Delfts” without further marking most often indicates medium-sized Dutch producers from the mid-20th century who produced decorative items for export.

The set consists of a larger oval vase with a domed lid and two identical vases with a curved neck and wide opening. All three pieces are made of white faience, and the shapes are clearly inspired by Chinese porcelain – the silhouette of an Asian “ginger jar” for the large vase and an elegant “rouleau”-style neck for the smaller ones. The decor is painted in two shades of blue – a light cornflower blue and a darker, almost blackish cobalt blue – which together create a dynamic impression of plastic depth. The decor is unusually dense: the entire surface is covered with magnificent floral and plant motifs (roses, flowers, leaves, fruits, butterflies) in vertical panels, separated by a fine meander border. The lid’s top and stem are decorated with matching floral compositions.

The Delft tradition originated in the 17th century when the Dutch East India Company (VOC) began importing Chinese blue-and-white porcelain, which became a fashion item among European aristocracy. Delft artisans, seeing this demand, began producing local faience with similar motifs, adding their own Dutch aesthetic elements. De Porceleyne Fles is the only original Delft manufactory that has been in continuous operation from 1653 to the present day. In the mid-20th century, “Delfts” became a broader term for Dutch blue-and-white ceramics in general.

Interior suggestion
This set is perfect for a classic interior, Dutch Colonial, Hamptons, or country style. It fits excellently on a mantelpiece, a console table, or a sideboard, arranged as a unified composition with the largest vase in the center and the two smaller ones symmetrically placed on the sides. The blue-and-white color combination is universally versatile – it fits harmoniously into both modern Scandinavian and classic interior concepts. The smaller vases can also be used separately as accent elements on a shelf or windowsill.

Condition
The set is in good general condition. The decor on all three pieces is vibrant and intact. The glaze is smooth and even. The largest vase (with lid) has an unglazed ring at the bottom with small dirt/wear accumulations, which is a normal characteristic of old ceramics and does not indicate damage. All three pieces are whole, without chips or cracks. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.