Vase with cover (one of a pair) 1695 - 1705

This vase and cover was made by Lambertus van Eenhoorn in the Netherlands, using tin-glazed earthenware. Commonly known as Delftware, it imitates porcelain imported from China. The smooth, white surface you see was created by coating the earthenware with a tin-based glaze. Decorations were then painted by hand with metal oxides, which resulted in the blue-black color when fired. Think about the level of skill required to control the brush, ensuring that the painting remained crisp and clear after firing. Delftware emerged as a direct response to global trade and the market demand for luxury goods. It reflects a complex interplay of imitation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The labor-intensive process highlights the human skill required for its creation. Considering the story embedded in its material and making, this vase challenges our assumptions about the boundaries between craft, design, and art.