This pair of Dutch Delft blue and white covered jars, painted circa 1770, has the scale, clarity, and completeness that distinguish strong eighteenth-century examples.
Fully composed on every side, they are planned and painted to be read in the round.
The front of each jar presents a chinoiserie landscape with a standing figure in a garden and a boy observing from a terrace, framed within lambrequins and scrolling ornament. The reverse is equally considered, with flowering branches and a long-tailed bird that introduce movement and contrast.
The cobalt is well handled, shifting from soft washes to more saturated passages. The blue remains clear, and its variation gives dimension to the scenes against the warm, creamy ground. Subtle pooling at the brush edges adds energy.
The softly faceted bodies strengthen the form and animate the painted surface as light moves across the planes. The octagonal covers are topped with crisply modeled leopard finials. Both covers are original and closely matched, which strengthens the integrity of the pair.
At 12.5 inches high and 13 inches with the custom wood stands, the jars have a balanced and substantial presence. The clarity of the painting and the strength of the form make this a strong and complete pair.
Dimensions: 13 inches high with stand; jars 12.5 inches high by 6 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep
Condition: Excellent with tiny edge frits invisibly restored
Decoration: Hand-painted blue and white chinoiserie scenes with floral and lambrequin motifs
Material: Delft
Style: 18th-century Dutch Delft
Origin: Netherlands
Date: Circa 1770