Beaker vase (one of a pair, part of a garniture) 1685 - 1695

This blue and white Beaker vase was created by Lambertus van Eenhoorn in the Netherlands, sometime around the late 17th or early 18th century. It is made of tin-glazed earthenware, and is decorated with stylized flowers, foliage, and geometric patterns. The vase reflects the growing popularity of Delftware, an industry that emerged in the city of Delft in the 17th century as Dutch traders began importing Chinese porcelain. Delftware potters imitated the blue-and-white designs of Chinese porcelain for wealthy European consumers. The Dutch East India Company’s trade networks facilitated the transfer of artistic ideas across the world, while the pottery workshops of Delft became sites of cultural exchange and artistic innovation. Analyzing art like this requires an understanding of the historical context in which it was created. By studying trade routes, economic data, and the biographies of artists and patrons, we can better understand the complex social forces that shaped the creation and consumption of art.