Each month, we highlight a special object from the Aronson Antiquairs collection. This month, we are pleased to present this rare, early pear-shaped vase, made around 1680 at the renowned De Grieksche A (The Greek A) factory in Delft.

Although Delft potters had begun experimenting with ways to replicate Chinese porcelain as early as the first half of the seventeenth century, it was not until around the 1650s that these efforts achieved real success. By the time Samuel van Eenhoorn acquired De Grieksche A in 1678, the Dutch market was experiencing a growing demand for exotic luxury goods, while imports of Chinese porcelain had become increasingly scarce. Delft factories responded by creating sophisticated tin-glazed earthenware that captured the appearance and prestige of Asian porcelain.

This remarkable vase reflects that pivotal moment in Delftware history. Whether its distinctive pear-shaped form was inspired by a Chinese prototype or was an original creation developed by Van Eenhoorn and his workshop remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that Van Eenhoorn was among the most innovative Delftware producers of his time. During his ownership, De Grieksche A became known for its extraordinary variety of forms, including polygonal bottles, elegant vases, and other ambitious decorative objects.

D2518
Blue and White Pear-Shaped Vase
Delft, circa 1680

Marked SVE 5 in blue for Samuel van Eenhoorn, the owner of De Grieksche A (The Greek A) factory from 1678 until 1685

DIMENSIONS
Height: 26.7 cm. (10.5 in.)

PRICE
€ 9.500 (US$ 11,000 export*) incl. shipping
(excl. local taxes, if applicable)