A large Dutch Delftware rosewater dish, painted in cobalt blue on an opaque white tin glaze. The moulded form consists of a shallow central well with a domed centre, surrounded by raised concentric bands and an exaggerated broad rim. The domed central medallion depicts two Chinese figures seated on a garden terrace, with a pavilion and mountainous landscape in the distance. It is surrounded by dense bands of flowering plants, foliate scrollwork and lappet-shaped ornament. The broad rim is painted with four figural scenes showing Chinese dignitaries, scholars and attendants among pierced rocks, pine trees, shrubs and garden fences. The decoration is derived from Chinese Transitional porcelain of the seventeenth century. Rather than following a single porcelain prototype, the Delft painter combined various Asian figures and landscape motifs within a distinctly European form. Rosewater dishes were made to contain rosewater or other scented liquids. These could be used to refresh or cleanse the hands, or to perfume the surrounding air. Their large dimensions, elaborate decoration and association with refined dining customs also made them suitable for prominent display. The reverse is decorated in blue with a repeated pattern of stylised circular motifs separated by vertical lines. Unmarked. The form belongs to a group of large Delft rosewater dishes dating from the final quarter of the seventeenth century. Closely related examples from circa 1675–1680 have been attributed to Samuel van Eenhoorn, owner of De Grieksche A from 1678 until 1686. Without a factory mark, however, an attribution of the present dish remains uncertain. Delft, circa 1680.

Large Blue and White Dutch Delftware Rosewater Dish, ca 1680

ABOUT THIS ITEM

A large Dutch Delftware rosewater dish, painted in cobalt blue on an opaque white tin glaze. The moulded form consists of a shallow central well with a domed centre, surrounded by raised concentric bands and an exaggerated broad rim.

The domed central medallion depicts two Chinese figures seated on a garden terrace, with a pavilion and mountainous landscape in the distance. It is surrounded by dense bands of flowering plants, foliate scrollwork and lappet-shaped ornament. The broad rim is painted with four figural scenes showing Chinese dignitaries, scholars and attendants among pierced rocks, pine trees, shrubs and garden fences.

The decoration is derived from Chinese Transitional porcelain of the seventeenth century. Rather than following a single porcelain prototype, the Delft painter combined various Asian figures and landscape motifs within a distinctly European form.

Rosewater dishes were made to contain rosewater or other scented liquids. These could be used to refresh or cleanse the hands, or to perfume the surrounding air. Their large dimensions, elaborate decoration and association with refined dining customs also made them suitable for prominent display.

The form belongs to a group of large Delft rosewater dishes dating from the final quarter of the seventeenth century.
Without a factory mark, however, an attribution of the present dish remains uncertain.

Delft, circa 1680.