Ceramic Pottery Shoe Figurine with Floral Motifs – Royal Delft

White and blue ceramic pottery shoe figurine by Royal Delft showcases intricate hand-painted floral motifs that accentuate its elegant form. Crafted in 1990 and decorated by artist A.F. Steenbergen – Braver, this Delft blue collectible reflects traditional Dutch craftsmanship and refined detail. Marked on the base with the Royal Delft hallmark, year code, and artist’s initials, it is in excellent condition and makes a charming addition for collectors of Delftware and European decorative ceramics.

Product details:

• Overall dimensions: Height 2 1/2", Width 4", Depth 1 1/2"
• Technique: Hand-painted Delftware ceramic
• Origin: Royal Delft, The Netherlands
• Date: 1990
• Signature: Marked on the base with Royal Delft maker’s mark, year code, and artist’s initials A.F. den Braver
• 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.

Since 1977, A.F. Steenbergen - Braver has been part of Royal Delft, the iconic Dutch manufacturer known for its centuries-old Delft Blue craftsmanship. Works signed with his distinctive initials embody the company’s artistic spirit in the late 20th century and are cherished by collectors for their originality, heritage, and meticulous hand-painted detail.