Pair of vases

Art Historical Context

These charming pair of Dutch vases from the 19th exemplify the enduring tradition of tin-glazedware, a hallmark of ceramics known as Delftware. Standing at 10 7/8 inches (27.6 cm) tall, these modest vessels were likely crafted for domestic display, their compact size perfect for tabletops or shelves in bourgeois homes. Produced by an unknown artist, they reflect the continued popularity of this technique well into the 1800s, even as industrial pottery emerged elsewhere in Europe. Tin-glazing, where a layer of tin oxide creates an opaque white surface ideal for vibrant painted designs, allowed...