Skip to main content
Curiosa
Sign InTry a scan

De Porceleyne Fles Cloisonné Tile of Oude Kerk, Delft

Small rectangular Dutch cloisonné tile showing the Oude Kerk in Delft with a canal and bridge in the foreground. - view 1
1/2

Estimated value

$45 - $85

Rarity

Ordinary(3/10)

Brand

De Porceleyne Fles

Era

circa 1920-1945

Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Authenticity

Very High(90%)
47

DE PORCELEYNE FLES CLOISONNÉ TILE OF OUDE KERK, DELFT: IDENTIFICATION

Rectangular earthenware tile produced using the cloisonné or 'drooglijn' (dry line) technique, characteristic of De Porceleyne Fles. The scene depicts the Oude Kerk (Old Church) tower as viewed from a canal with a stone arched bridge and a moored barge. The relief borders separate distinct colored glazes in shades of ochre, teal, and cream, effectively pooling within the raised clay outlines.

Compare with other ceramic pieces in the archive: De Porceleyne Fles Delft Charger/Plate with Handwritten Marks, Alabaster Urn-Shaped Vase, Han Dynasty Style Glazed Ceramic Boar Figurine.

PRODUCTION & FIRING

The Royal Delft factory (De Porceleyne Fles), established in 1653, introduced this cloisonné tile technique circa 1907, reaching peak production between 1920 and 1950. Unlike traditional blue and white Delftware, these tiles utilize a 'dry line' of clay to prevent different glaze colors from ...
The Royal Delft factory (De Porceleyne Fles), established in 1653, introduced this cloisonné tile technique circa 1907, reaching peak production between 1920 and 1950. Unlike traditional blue and white Delftware, these tiles utilize a 'dry line' of clay to prevent different glaze colors from bleeding together during firing. This specific architectural motif is a standard production scene from their urban landscape series, which frequently featured Dutch landmarks to appeal to the growing 20th-century tourist market.

SCARCITY

Ordinary40-55%
CommonLegendary

Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.

Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 170 ceramics items at rarity 3 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Moderate production runs
  • Common at estate sales
  • Entry-level collectibles

Confidence Factors

  • Confirmed impressed factory mark of a jar with initials 'TL' and 'Delft'
  • Correct technical execution of the drooglijn technique consistent with Royal Delft standards
How does authenticity detection work?

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Ceramics Historian & Kiln Specialist

Ceramics Expert

Highest confidence due to the presence of a sharp, identifiable factory mark on the unglazed reverse and the textbook execution of the trademarked Royal Delft cloisonné style.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Impressed 'Pharos' jar mark on verso, the definitive hallmark for Royal Delft.
  • 2Raised clay relief lines separating matte glazes, indicative of the 1907-introduced cloisonné process.
  • 3Presence of two integral suspension holes for a wire hanger, standard for these commemorative wall tiles.
  • 4The specific teal and earth-tone palette used by the factory during the interwar period.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Minor edge chipping on the left side which impacts the aesthetic integrity and value.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Gently clean the surface with a damp cloth to remove surface oxidation and evaluate if the white spots in the clouds are surface debris or glaze skips.
  • →Examine the impressed mark under side-lighting to identify any year-code letters (e.g., 'AV' for 1926) often found near the mark.

CONDITION & GRADE

Condition

Small glaze flake visible on the left upper edge. The reverse shows the original wire hanger still attached through two factory-drilled holes, with a clear impressed jar mark.

Weight & feel

Solid earthenware body, approximately 150-200 grams, consistent with a standard 12cm x 8cm commemorative tile.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$45 - $85

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Dutch heritage enthusiasts and collectors of European tiles or Royal Delft memorabilia.

What increases value

  • •Architectural local interest (Delft landmarks usually outperform generic floral designs)
  • •Intact factory mark and original hanging wire

What lowers value

  • •Small flake on middle-left edge
  • •Abundance of this specific design on the secondary market

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Unblemished edges ('mint' condition)
  • •Vibrant polychrome depth without kiln scorching
  • •Presence of specific date-code letters

Grade & condition

Chips on the frame edge, clarity of the impressed mark, and lack of significant glaze loss.

Rarity & demand

OrdinaryModerate demandSells quickly
Browse similar ceramics objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

RE

Rene

Fellow Collector•44 items

COMMENTS

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Sign in to leave a comment

ABOUT CERAMICS & POTTERY

Pottery, porcelain, stoneware, earthenware, and kiln-fired objects.

Ceramics & Pottery value and rarity guide

SHARE THIS CURIOSITY

Have your own curiosities to discover?

Scan Your Curiosity