Set Of 4 Polychrome Delft Earthenware Plates With Floral Decoration, Mid-18th Century

Set of four matching plates in polychrome Delftware, dating from the mid-18th century.

Each plate features asymmetrically arranged bouquets, dominated by large roses with numerous tightly packed petals. The flowers are accompanied by small corollas, buds, and serrated green foliage. A few delicate twigs dot the center, which is largely left unadorned. A fine red iron-glaze line highlights the rim.

The design is executed in a characteristic palette combining manganese, green, yellow, and iron red. Dark manganese outlines define the flowers and foliage, while carefully distributed touches of color lend depth to the large corollas.

Toward the middle of the 18th century, Delft painters began to give increasing prominence to European floral designs, alongside the traditional repertoire of chinoiserie motifs. These naturalistic bouquets reflect contemporary developments in European earthenware and porcelain, while retaining the palette and graphic style characteristic of Delftware.

The preservation of a set of four closely matching plates is of particular interest, as pieces from larger services have often been scattered over time through use and inheritance.

Condition: signs of wear consistent with age and use, notably slight chipping and small chips on the rims.

Diameter: 23 cm.