Royal Delft Vase with Two Handles, 1884

This exquisite faience vase from Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles) dates back to 1884 and showcases the hallmark craftsmanship of the Dutch Delftware tradition. The piece is beautifully hand-painted in cobalt blue with a dual-sided motif: one side featuring an idyllic Dutch windmill landscape with sailing boats, the other decorated with an elegant floral composition. Standing 10 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide, the vase combines refined decorative appeal with historical value. The base bears the authentic Royal Delft mark along with a painter’s signature identifying the decorator as P. J. Gerbrands, one of the artists known to work at the factory from 1880 to 1931. The surface of the glaze reveals a subtle craquelure, typical of antique Delftware, adding charm and confirming its age.

Product details:

• Overall dimensions: Height 10", Width 6 1/2"
• Technique: Hand-painted Delftware ceramic
• Origin: Royal Delft (De Porceleyne Fles), Netherlands
• Date: 1884
• Signature: Marked on the underside with the Royal Delft factory mark, year code, and the initials of the artist P. J. Gerbrands
• Condition: Excellent – no cracks, chips, or signs of wear

Delft ceramics, also known as Delftware or Delft 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.

P. J. Gerbrands was one of the artists employed at the renowned Royal Delft factory (De Porceleyne Fles) during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He worked there roughly between 1880 and 1931 as a painter of decorative ceramic ware, contributing to the hand‑painted blue and white Delft tradition. Each piece decorated by him was meticulously hand‑painted with floral, landscape, or ornamental motifs in the classic Delft style. The decorator’s initials or signature, often found alongside the factory mark on the base, attests to the authenticity and individual character of the piece. Works bearing the P. J. Gerbrands signature are appreciated by collectors as fine examples of Royal Delft’s artisanal craftsmanship from this historic period.