Background of Delft Cows
In the seventeenth century, the butchers guild held an annual parade with prize-winning cows and bulls lavishly adorned with flowers, floral wreaths, and gilded horns. The potters of Delft began to make cows painted with floral wreaths just like those seen in the parade. Between 1740 and 1790, Delft cows were produced by many of the factories in Delft.
Background of Petit Feu colors
Japanese Imari porcelains reached the Netherlands in the mid-17th century. They became very popular and inspired Delft potters to emulate their colorful designs. In particular, Delft potters began experimenting with various color and firing techniques to achieve the Japanese style. The low-temperature firing of enamel colors (petit feu) was one technique that allowed delft potters to expand their color palette. This technique was first used at the beginning of the 18th century. It requires three firings, allowing the potter to use colors that could not withstand the high temperatures in the kiln during the second firing (grand feu). With the low-temperature colors on top of the glaze, the objects were fired again at a lower temperature. “For more information on Petit Feu Delftware, see {Decorations in “Petit Feu” Colors} by Aronson Antiquairs.
Notable Details:
Painted in the delicate Petit Feu palette allowing for expanded color range through low-temperature enameling
Each cow modeled with lifelike expression and individuality
Distinctive marbled base decoration, hand painted in multiple hues
Inspired by Japanese Imari porcelains that influenced Dutch Delft design
Comparable examples discussed in Decorations in “Petit Feu” Colors by Aronson Antiquairs
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