Object of the Month

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this utilitarian object! Other than often assumed, the round or oval depression at the side of a barber’s bowl was not intended to house a piece of soap but rather a shaving ball. The barber…

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this blue and white plate! As early as the late 15th century, exotic animals were collected by Europeans to be kept in their menagerie. It is known that innkeeper Jan Westerhoff had built a menagerie…

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this cute polychrome figure of a Spaniel! The origins of the Spaniel (in old-Dutch Spioen) can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Its name refers to Spain, where many dog breeds were created or…

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this extraordinary blue and white armorial tobacco jar! This tobacco jar is painted with the Dutch royal coat of arms. It shows a lion holding a sword and arrows. In 1578, during the Eighty Years'…

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this interesting blue and white plate! Decorative Delftware plates, such as the present example, were intended to be displayed on etageres, in glass cabinets or on walls. The representations on the plates are varied, and…

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this polychrome and gilded 'Imari-style' charger, which is marked for Pieter Adriaensz. Kocx, the owner of De Grieksche A (The Greek A) factory from 1701 to 1703, or his widow Johanna van der Heul, the…

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this blue and white plaque, from circa 1760. Made in the city of Rotterdam (probably Schiedamschedijk), the plaque shows two cobblers seated at their bench and sewing shoes. At their feet is a recumbent dog and a…

Every month we present a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month we would like to show you this blue and white model of a sleigh, from circa 1770, which is marked for De Klaauw (The Claw) factory. The sleigh ride was a quintessential, and often necessary form of winter entertainment. During treacherous winters, the…

Every month we present you a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month, we would like to show you this petit feu and gilded puzzle jug from circa 1730. The puzzle jug is one of the oldest jokes in the Delft potters’ continually playful repertoire. Puzzle jugs were intended as an amusing tavern game…

Every month we present you a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs’ collection. This month, we would like to show you this plaque from circa 1745. Faience was made throughout Europe, yet until around 1900, anything that looked typically Dutch was labeled Delftware. It was not until between 1910 and 1920 that a reasonable distinction was…