Pair of beakers (part of a garniture) 1750 - 1799

These Delftware beakers are part of a garniture made by De Porceleyne Claeuw, reaching a height of 10 inches each. The objects strike a balance between symmetry and controlled variation in form and decoration. The beakers feature a white tin-glaze that serves as a canvas for polychrome decoration, predominantly in blues, greens, and yellows. The hand-painted scenes depict birds perched above reclining figures, framed by stylized flora. Notice how the artist employs a consistent visual vocabulary, yet each beaker has a unique composition within the set. The brushstrokes are visible, adding a tactile dimension to the smooth ceramic surface. These visual elements suggest a dialogue with prevailing European tastes for chinoiserie and the exotic. The repetition of motifs across the garniture creates a sense of unity, while the subtle differences in the rendering invite closer inspection and comparison. This interplay highlights the tension between mass production and individual craftsmanship in the 17th century. The decoration uses semiotic signs to express cultural values that were received at the time.