Tichelaar Makkum large antique tin glazed handpainted Delft style covered vase

Large antique handpainted tin-glazed covered vase ("pul" or "dekselvaas" in Dutch) made between 1890 and 1905 by Tichelaar in Makkum, the Netherlands. The vase features a traditional Delft decor called a "Peterselie decor" in Dutch, which translates to "Parsley decor". This decoration is characterised by flowers (or other elements, such as birds) being surrounded by parsley-like leaves and groups of dots. In this case the decoration features two large birds-of-paradise (one on each side of the vase) and several types of stylised flowers. The shoulder of the vase is decorated with ornaments. The lid has a matching decor to the body of the vase. The vase is very sturdy, with thick walls, which is often seen in early (pre-1910) vases of Tichelaar.

This vase is handmade according to century-old traditions identical to how 17th or 18th century Delftware was made. The earthenware (made from local yellow clay) is shaped by hand in a mould and after a first firing glazed with an opaque white tin-glaze. The colours are then painted on this glaze and fused with it through a second firing. This creates a product with a beautiful and unique appearance. Tichelaar is the only remaining Delftware producer in the Netherlands that still follows this procedure.

The vase is marked at the bottom with an early handpainted Tichelaar mark of two crossed T's. This mark was in use between 1890 and 1943 by Tichelaar. There is no painter's signature, as this only became common use at Tichelaar after 1945. But from the way the Tichelaar mark is painted, it is likely that Mr. Eit Wijkstra is the painter of this vase. Eit Wijkstra was one of the early painters at Tichelaar, where he worked from 1882 till 1905. He specialised in wall plaques and tile tableaus, but also painted other items such as plates and vases.

There is a small paper label affixed to the base of the vase, which is an early label used by Tichelaar to indicate the catalogue number of the item. After 1943 Tichelaar painters included the catalogue number in their painted mark, but before 1943 small paper labels were used. This vase model has number 65 in Tichelaar's catalogue. That number can also be read on the label if you look carefully (the label is positioned upside down vis-a-vis the Tichelaar mark).

The lid on this vase matches well and seems to be from the same period as the body of the vase, but it is not the original lid of a model nr. 65 vase. It is actually a somewhat smaller lid from a model nr. 306 vase, which is a slightly smaller model (32 cm high) in Tichelaars catalogue with the same decoration.

Condition: Very good, there are no cracks, hairlines or restorations on the vase. Some small glaze damages can be found on the base of the vase (see detail pictures), but nothing very disturbing. Tin-glaze is an enamel glaze that is very brittle on edges, so these kind of small damages are normal on older vases. The rim of the vase also shows some wear, which is not visible when the lid is on the vase. The lid itself has one small glaze damage to the side of its rim (see detail pictures), which is not very noticeable. The glaze of the vase has no crazing and shows little wear. Especially the glaze on the body of the vase is very smooth and beautiful. There is a small glazing / firing artefact on the shoulder of the vase (see detail pictures). Small irregularities like these are often found on older vases of Tichelaar and are part of the artisanal way these vases were made. They should not be considered a defect. The inside of the vase is very clean and fully glazed. The unglazed footring of the vase shows no discolouration, which is remarkable for an old vase like this, as is the fact that it still has the small paper label with the catalogue number preserved.

A rare and early Tichelaar vase, most likely painted by one of the better-known painters from Tichelaar. Great for decoration or for the true Tichelaar collector.

Made by: Royal Tichelaar

Place of manufacture: Makkum, the Netherlands

Year of manufacture: between 1890 and 1905

Model (catalog) nr.: 65 (lid from model nr. 306)

Method of decoration: handpainted (tin-glaze)

Size: height: 38,0 cm, diameter: 21,5 cm (capacity: 5,6 litres)

Weight: 2,8 kg

Current catalogue price: not available, this model is not produced anymore by Tichelaar. You can find the current prices for other handpainted vases and bowls on the website of Tichelaar here: https://www.tichelaar.com/shop/fine-ceramics/vases-bowls.

Additional pictures of the object can be provided if required.

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About Tichelaar:

Royal Tichelaar is located in a small fishing village in the north of the Netherlands, Makkum. The history of the company goes way back to 1572, making it the oldest continuously operating company in the Netherlands. Tichelaar means "tile-maker", and at first the factory only produced bricks and tiles, but around 1700 production also started of tin-glazed household and ornamental dishes. After 1890 a large part of the production became oriented towards ornamental Delftware in various forms and styles. Tichelaar uses a yellow baking clay for their products, which is locally excavated. After baking it receives a white tin-glaze and is subsequently decorated. This is the way all Delftware was produced centuries ago, and Tichelaar is the only remaining factory to still do so. Other Delftware producers in the Netherlands around 1900 switched to painting directly on white baking clay without the extra layer of tin-glaze. True to the spirit of tradition, Tichelaar keeps mechanisation to a minimum and all items remain handpainted. The quality of the handpainting is very good, it has a distinctive "Frisian" character that is very recognisable.

Tichelaar today still produces some Delftware, but on a very limited scale. The traditional production process makes that the items are nowadays very costly to produce, and for many too expensive to buy. A small number of items is still produced and offered through the shop on their website. The company nowadays has its main focus on producing speciality tiles, with special glazes for architecture / building purposes. More information can be found on their website: https://www.tichelaar.com/.

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This item will be carefully packed and send by tracked and insured mail.

If you buy multiple items from our shop in one purchase, we will try to combine the items into one parcel. Any excess shipping costs will be refunded.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may contact us within 14 days from the delivery date to return the item. If the item is returned in its original condition, we will issue a refund for the total purchase price of the item (return shipping costs are however not covered).