V

Milk jug

3
Voorwerp
Merk
Decoratie

A windmill painted milk jug with a cat as the handle

Vraag

Is this a genuine Delft jug and what yer would it date from

Afmetingen
8cm
Collectie
publiekscollectie

Reacties 3

Verdict:

  • Not Delftware

Analysis:

  • Not made in Delft The term Delftware is only used for earthenware actually produced in Delft. Read more
  • More recent production technique After 1850, factories in and outside Holland developed more efficient and cheaper production techniques. This goes beyond the scope of this website. Read more
  • Mark is stamped Marks on antique Delftware are always hand-painted. Stamps were not used until the late 19th century. Read more

'Genuine Delft' can be a tricky term as it can apply to two types of ceramics: the antique Delftware produced between (approx.) 1600-1840 and so called modern Delftware from De Proceleyne Fles factory which exists to this day (although it is now called Royal Delft).

The modern Royal Delft pieces still qualify as genuine Delft as they are, well, genuinely from Delft, but the production process greatly differs from the antiques. Modern ceramics are often made by pouring clay into moulds and consist of a very different material than the thrown clay pieces of the earlier period. This can be deducted from the unglazed bottom rim, which is very white compared to the more yellow and more fragile antique earthenware of Delft. Decorations techniques etc. can also greatly vary.

Then onto the definitive assessment: most pieces than contain the word 'Delft(s)' on an item are in fact not produced in Delft, but concern the style of the item ('Delft blue'). These pieces are often of the newer production method, included stamped marks and and modern details, such as scenes of windmills, or shaped like a wooden shoe/clog etc.

A cat balancing on the rim, such as in your pieces is also a more modern take. From the details shown on the pictures I cannot estimate exactly from when this piece dates, but my most accurate guess is late 20th century. Hope this helps!

Thank you for the information. This was left to me by my grandmother who died in 1999. It was a wedding present to her in the early 1930’s. I don't know if it was bought new or was a gift from a relative who already owned it. I dont know if this helps with dating the piece. 

Thank you

Ah, well that tells us that it probably early twentieth century then! The mark and blink marks on the bottom are a bit vague in this quality, so I cannot really see what we're talking about exactly, but perhaps someone else will know whether this is perhaps Maastricht ceramic and can date the blind marks?