Antique Delft Blue Plate – Hand-Painted Faience (ca. 1750–1800)

This antique Delft blue plate is a beautiful example of hand-painted Dutch faience, dating to the late 18th century. Decorated in cobalt blue on a white tin-glazed ground, the plate reflects the long-standing Dutch tradition of imitating Chinese porcelain in a distinctive European style.

At the center, a flower vase with stylized blooms and birds is depicted, surrounded by an elaborate border of floral and ornamental motifs. The composition and execution are characteristic of Delftware in chinoiserie style, inspired by Eastern decorative traditions.

Details

Object: Delft blue plate
Material: Tin-glazed earthenware (faience)

Origin: Delft, The Netherlands
Period: Circa 1750–1800 (possibly late 18th century; early 19th century not excluded)

Design

• Hand-painted cobalt blue decoration

• Central vase with flowers and birds

• Richly decorated floral border

• Classic chinoiserie-inspired composition

Authenticity

This piece shows several indicators of authenticity:

Hand-painted decoration with visible brush variation
Tin glaze with light craquelé and kiln imperfections
Traditional Delft composition and style
Old-style foot rim and glaze structure

No visible maker’s mark (common for older Delftware)

Condition (Important)

Poor to fair condition due to restoration

Broken and restored (clearly visible)
Old glue residues present
Mounted with wire on the reverse
Wear to rim and glaze

Condition has a significant impact on value

Features

Authentic antique Delftware
Late 18th-century origin
Hand-painted decoration
Classic Dutch chinoiserie style
Decorative historical object

Note on Condition

While the damage and restoration greatly reduce collector value, the plate still retains decorative and historical appeal. It is best suited as a display piece rather than a high-end collector’s item.