Ceramic Pitcher with Floral Motifs – Royal Delft

Vintage white and blue ceramic pottery pitcher by Royal Delft showcases hand-painted floral motifs and graceful detailing in the classic Delft blue style. Crafted in 1982, this piece features an elegant bulbous body, narrow neck, and curved handle, reflecting the timeless artistry of Dutch Delftware. Marked on the underside with the Royal Delft hallmark, year code, and artist’s initials, it is in excellent condition and a fine addition to any Delft blue or European ceramic collection.

Product details:

• Overall dimensions: Height 6 1/2", Width 4 3/4"
• Technique: Hand-painted Delftware ceramic
• Origin: Netherlands
• Date: 1982
• Signature: Marked on the underside with the Royal Delft factory mark, year code, and the initials of the artist H. v. Leeuwen
• Condition: Excellent

Delft ceramics, also known as Delftware or Delf porcelain, is a type of hand-painted tin-glazed earthenware that has been produced since the 17th century in the Dutch city of Delft. Inspired by Chinese porcelain, it is characterized by a white tin glaze with decorations, most often in shades of blue (known as Delft Blue), depicting Dutch scenes, floral motifs, and biblical imagery. It was made in the form of plates, vases, tiles, and jugs. The most famous still-operating manufacturer is Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles). Delftware differs from true porcelain in its material (earthenware), hand-painted decoration, and often the presence of factory marks or date codes on the underside.

Founded in 1653 in Delft, the Royal Delft factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) is the last remaining original Delftware manufacturer from the 17th century still in operation today. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and iconic blue-and-white earthenware, Royal Delft has supplied decorative pieces to royalty and collectors around the world for centuries. Each piece is carefully signed on the bottom — alongside the Royal Delft maker’s mark, the base typically includes a year code indicating the production date and the initials of the individual artist who painted the piece, adding historical and collectible value.

H. van Leeuwen was a talented artisan who worked at the prestigious Royal Delft factory, the historic producer of Delft Blue ceramics in the Netherlands, from 1978 to 1993. His works, distinguished by his signature initials, represent authentic late-20th-century examples of Royal Delft’s enduring artistic tradition and are highly prized by collectors for their authenticity and exquisite hand-painted craftsmanship.