Featured A fake delft…I think?

Hello everyone, my first post here! I found a vase at a thrift store with a nice Dutch windmill, it says Delft Made in Holland 81 on the bottom. I knew of the name so I bought it. Upon researching, I see Delft marks are very different.

The vase is hand glazed, I can see brush strokes and under a loupe I don’t see the dot pattern like on transfer ware. There is crazing in the glaze too. I’ve tried looking up fake Delft marks but I don’t see this mark listed. I did find almost the same vase on eBay with the same mark and number, nothing about it being a fake or reproduction.

I’d appreciate any advice. Maybe it’s just a tourist piece? A Chinese fake? I can take it! It’s still a pretty vase for $4. This seems like a great place to learn more!

 

Welcome to Antiquers Kelly,
I don't know a lot about Delft ware but that looks more like a maker mark than it does a number.
Mikey

 

Until the real potties show up, I'll give you what I think I know. Think Delft is to Holland what Limoges is to France, it's the name of a location known for it pottery from many makers, not the name of a company, so marks could be many & varied.

As to whether it is real or a tourist item, it can be both. May have been brought to where it is now by a tourist.

 

Just saving me from a stiff neck!!!


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I'm not seeing anything that might identify the actual maker. As mentioned, Delft is a place and its name usually brings to mind the blue and white earthenware the area is known for.

I believe you have a cheerful, souvenir type piece rather than something from a well known maker.

 

I did think Delft was a company, so that makes sense. Another possibility after reading, maybe this is a vase made for florists to send a bouquet of tulips, it's the perfect size for that.

 

I learned the other day that Delft is also claimed to be made in Germany near the border with the Netherlands. That the significance of Delft is the glaze that brings out the whiteness of the pottery.

I don't know if the above is the truth, perhaps we will earn more when other more knowledgeable members join in.

 

That was how I reacted to it, too. But I'm not knowledgeable... @say_it_slowly knows much more than I do.

 

Most recent blue and white Delfts is made for the tourist trade, Dutch people hardly ever buy it anymore.
Tourist isn't necessarily bad though, some souvenirs are real works of art.

 

Pretty thin neck for a Dutch bunch of tulips.

 

Leo is your man!
He has helped me ID a few Delft pieces. The website is Verwoerd Ceramics and the email is helpdesk@verwoerdceramics.com