Pair of blue and white cupboard bowls
JVV 0103
Delft, 1700-1720
These cupboard bowls are painted in blue with peacocks in a dense floral decoration, the so-called parsley decor. A meandering scroll motif is applied under the rim, varied with blue circles. Simplified floral sprigs are painted on the bottom of the inside.
Dimensions: diameter 22 cm / 8.66 in., height 11,7 cm / 4.33 in.
Similar examples
A set of three ribbed bowls with this decoration but without peacocks is depicted in Aronson 2016 (pp. 50-51). A similar decorated large cupboard bowl is also in Aronson (2018, p. 41). A similar large example with a panelled parsley decor from the Metal Pot pottery in Delft was auctioned at Christie’s in 1993 (p. 68, lot 352). It is marked with CK which stands for Cornelis Koppens, owner of the factory between 1724 and 1756. This date shows that it is a late example of the parsley decor that was becoming obsolete at that time.
Explanatory note
Delftware potteries manufactured different types of bowls for daily use and for display. The ones meant for daily use were either plain white or painted with simplified motifs. Large bowls like this one were often displayed in the home, especially on top of cupboards and fireplaces.
Literature
R.D. Aronson, C. Ariaans, J. Huiskamp, Dutch Delftware. Sur la Table, Amsterdam 2016
R.D. Aronson, C. Ariaans, S. Serra, Delftware. Tangible memories. The Mr. & Mrs. H.C. Bout collection, the Gaston de Ramaix collection and other recent acquisitions, Amsterdam 2018
Christie’s Amsterdam, European ceramics, Dutch Delftware and glass, 12 May 1993 (sale 2200), Amsterdam 1993
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