Exceptional Early 18th Century Delft Blue & White Plate, ca. 1700–1740
$1,250.00
Exceptional example of 18th century Delft, this early Dutch blue and white bowl-shaped plate, dating from circa 1700–1740, features a refined floral basket motif and balanced decorative composition, characteristic of high-quality Delftware from the early eighteenth century.
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This bowl-shaped tin-glazed earthenware plate represents an excellent example of 18th century Delft, produced in the Netherlands around 1700–1740. The piece combines technical solidity with compositional balance, both characteristic of the finest Delft productions of the early eighteenth century.
The center of the plate is decorated with a floral basket or jardinière, from which stylized stems and leaves emerge, hand-painted in cobalt blue with subtle tonal variations. This type of central motif is typical of 18th century Delft, reflecting the adaptation of European ornamental models into clear, well-structured compositions.
The background features a radiating leaf pattern that adds depth and visual movement, while the wide rim is enriched with a floral border composed of scrolling foliage and stylized flowers. The design is organized through fine concentric lines that define the different decorative zones and enhance the overall harmony, a device frequently found in early 18th century Delft wares.
The restrained palette, limited to cobalt blue on a white tin-glazed ground, demonstrates a high level of technical control, with confident and well-modulated brushwork. The decoration, entirely applied by hand, displays the slight irregularities inherent to artisanal production, qualities that are particularly appreciated by collectors of 18th century Delft for their authenticity and historical character.
The reverse is finished with a white glaze and shows a well-defined foot ring, with old wear consistent with age and use. The plate remains in good condition, with fine overall craquelure and small, old rim losses and abrasions visible in several areas of the edge, typical of eighteenth-century domestic wares. These signs are stable, do not affect the structural integrity of the piece, and are entirely consistent with tin-glazed earthenware of this period, with no breaks or restorations observed.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23 cm / 9.05 in
Height: 3 cm / 1.18 in
Overall, this is an attractive and representative example of 18th century Delft, appealing both to collectors of early European ceramics and to those seeking a historically significant object with strong decorative presence.
