Antique Makkum Tichelaar Polychrome “Peacock” Wall Plate, 19th Century

Beautiful antique polychrome Delftware wall plate produced by Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum, the historic Dutch pottery factory founded in 1572 and renowned for its hand-painted tin-glazed earthenware.

This decorative plate is commonly referred to as a “Peacock Plate” (Pfauenschwanz) due to its radiating floral composition that resembles a peacock’s tail.

The plate features a vibrant central floral arrangement in a vase, surrounded by symmetrical cartouches and scrolling motifs. The composition is carefully balanced and richly decorated in traditional Makkum polychrome colors:

• Cobalt blue

• Iron red

• Green

• Yellow

The hand-painted design reflects classic 19th-century Dutch decorative pottery, combining folk tradition with refined craftsmanship.

Origin

• Maker: Koninklijke Tichelaar Makkum

• Location: Makkum, The Netherlands

• One of the oldest continuously operating pottery factories in Europe

Dating

Likely 19th century (circa 1850–1900)

Dating is based on:

• Decorative style

• Polychrome execution

• Simple painter’s mark on the reverse

More precise dating would require specific factory marks or year codes.

Materials & Technique

• Tin-glazed earthenware (Delftware)

• Hand-painted decoration

• Lead glaze finish

• Painter’s mark on reverse

Condition

Good, age-appropriate antique condition.

Positive aspects:

• Decoration largely intact

• No visible major restorations

• Glaze retains its sheen

Age-related wear:

• Small rim chips

• Glaze loss along the edge

• Age-related crazing (craquelure)

• Light surface wear

These signs of age are typical for 19th-century tin-glazed earthenware and contribute to the plate’s authenticity.

About House of History

At House of History, we are passionate about discovering and curating vintage and unique items for history lovers like you. We believe that a tangible piece of history brings the past to life—and that is where our passion lies. Our dedication to this pursuit is reflected in our annual visits to numerous markets, vintage shops, and auctions, both nationally and internationally, in search of that one special piece. Whether you are looking to expand your collection or add an extra touch of character to your interior, we strive to find the perfect item for you.

Our selection is based on careful curation, love, and craftsmanship. Do you have a specific question? Let us know—we are happy to help. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns. We are always here for you.

Pricing and Shipping

At House of History, our prices always include shipping costs. We recommend keeping this in mind when comparing prices. In addition, all orders are shipped with track & trace for your peace of mind. Orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days. We use only reputable shipping companies and provide tracking for all shipments. Items valued over €200.00 are always shipped insured. Our products are professionally and carefully packed, and we have extensive experience with international shipping.

Notes

House of History specializes in vintage items, which means our products may show signs of use. We recommend carefully reviewing the accompanying photos and videos before making a purchase. If you have questions about a product or would like additional photos, videos, or descriptions, please do not hesitate to contact us—we are always happy to assist.

At House of History, we prefer to preserve the original condition of our products. Some customers prefer a polished or restored appearance, while others appreciate a time-worn look (patina). For this reason, most of our items are offered unpolished and unrestored.