Koelvat met twee flessen

About this artwork

merk, onderkant koeler, geschilderd in blauw: ‘LVE(ineen)/ 4/ A (?)’

Art Historical Context

Step into the opulent world of the Dutch Golden Age with *Koelvat met tweeessen* (Wine Cooler with Two Bottles), by the renowned Delft pottery De Metaale Pot around 1695–1715. This elegant wine cooler, designed to chill bottles during lavish dinners, exemplifies the luxury ceramics produced in Delft, Netherlands. Made of tin-glazed earthen, it served a practical yet prestigious purpose in affluent households, keeping imported wines cool—a nod to the era's booming trade networks. The piece bears a distinctive maker's mark on its underside, painted in signature cobalt blue: ‘LVE(ineen)/4/A(?)’. Such marks were hallmarks of Delft factories like De Metaale Pot, helping identify workshops amid fierce competition. Artisans applied cobalt oxide under a tin glaze before firing, creating the vibrant blue-on-white designs that mimicked prized Chinese porcelain but used affordable local clay. This technique not only ensured durability but also allowed intricate decoration, blending utility with artistry. Culturally, this wine cooler reflects the prosperity of 17th- and early 18th-century Dutch society, where such items graced the tables of merchants and elites. Today, it offers a tangible glimpse into everyday elegance, showcasing how Delft pottery democratized luxury for Europe's rising middle class.