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Delft-style Polychrome Hexagonal Vase in Imari Palette

Hexagonal Delft-style polychrome vase with Imari floral patterns in red, blue, and orange, showing a hand-painted mark on the base. - view 1
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Estimated value

$75 - $200

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Brand

De Porceleyne Fles (Royal Delft)

Era

Mid-20th Century

Origin

🇳🇱 Netherlands

Authenticity

High(75%)
28

KILN TO COLLECTION: DELFT-STYLE POLYCHROME HEXAGONAL VASE IN IMARI PALETTE

This is a hexagonal vase, likely earthenware or porcelain, decorated in a polychrome palette often associated with the Imari style (red, blue, and gold/orange). The decoration features flora and scrolls, typical of ceramic pieces that draw inspiration from East Asian design traditions, adapted by European manufactures. The form is columnar with a flared, wavy mouth. The base shows what appears to be a hand-painted mark, which would be crucial for precise identification.

CLAY ACROSS CULTURES

Where This Object Echoes

Japanese Porcelain (Imari)17th-19th Century

The red, blue, and gold palette and detailed floral motifs directly derive from the iconic Imari porcelain of Japan, which was highly sought after in Europe.

Dutch Delftware17th-20th Century

While famous for blue and white, Delft factories actively produced polychrome wares, interpreting Asian designs or creating their own, often on tin-glazed earthenware.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Domestic display and decoration: Such vases were primarily intended for decorative purposes, holding cut flowers or serving as standalone ornamental pieces in affluent European homes.
  • •Gift-giving: Fine ceramics, especially those with exotic influences, were often exchanged as tokens of appreciation or status.

Meaning Through Time

17th-18th Century

Asian-inspired ceramics like Imari were symbols of exoticism, wealth, and global trade prowess in Europe, appealing to the elite.

19th-early 20th Century

As production became more industrialized and decorative arts movements emerged, these styles became more broadly accessible, signifying cultural refinement and appreciation for artistic craftsmanship.

FROM KILN TO COLLECTOR

The European fascination with East Asian ceramics, particularly Japanese Imari and Chinese famille verte palettes, led to widespread adaptation and imitation by European potteries from the late 17th century onwards. Delftware, traditionally known for its blue and white tin-glazed earthenware, also ...
The European fascination with East Asian ceramics, particularly Japanese Imari and Chinese famille verte palettes, led to widespread adaptation and imitation by European potteries from the late 17th century onwards. Delftware, traditionally known for its blue and white tin-glazed earthenware, also produced polychrome wares, sometimes directly imitating Asian prototypes, and sometimes integrating these influences into distinctly European forms and decorative schemes. This piece, with its hexagonal form and specific color scheme, is a testament to that cross-cultural exchange.

KILN-SIDE SECRETS

1

While 'Delft Blue' is widely recognized, polychrome Delftware, inspired by Imari porcelain, was also a significant part of Dutch ceramic production, offering a vibrant alternative to the iconic blue and white.

2

The hexagonal shape of vases like this one was a popular form in both Asian and European ceramics, allowing for a multifaceted presentation of painted designs and architectural elegance.

GLAZE & CLAY BODY

Surface

The vase exhibits a smooth, glossy glaze surface, with polychrome underglaze or overglaze decoration. The colors appear vibrant, particularly the deep cobalt blue and rust-red, with complementary orange/gold tones enhancing the floral motifs, typical of an Imari-inspired palette. There is a slight relief to the paint application, suggesting a hand-decorated finish.

Weight & Feel

I would expect this piece to have a moderate weight for its size, indicative of either earthenware or a relatively thick-bodied porcelain. It would feel sturdy in hand.

Condition

Visually, the vase appears to be in very good condition, with no obvious chips, cracks, or significant glaze loss. The colors remain bright and the surface lustrous. Without closer inspection, particularly of the footrim and neck, any minor fleabites or crazing would not be detectable.

HOW SCARCE IS IT?

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

CERAMICIST'S ASSESSMENT

Decorative Arts Specialist

Ceramics & Silver Expert

High confidence is assigned due to the recognizable style of decoration and the strong visual resemblance of the base mark to a known manufacturer (Royal Delft). Further verification of the mark's details would solidify this. The general quality and form are also consistent with this attribution.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Hexagonal form and fluted mouth are consistent with traditional Delftware and European ceramic design.
  • 2The polychrome decoration in red, blue, and orange is characteristic of the Imari palette, widely adopted by European factories.
  • 3The mark on the base, though partially obscured by shadow, strongly resembles the 'De Porceleyne Fles' (Royal Delft) mark, specifically a variant of the jar mark or initials 'DP' combined with 'Delft'.
  • 4The hand-painted nature of the mark and decoration suggests traditional ceramic manufacturing techniques.

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •The exact date code, if present, is not readable in the provided image of the base.
  • •Clarity of the mark is suboptimal due to shadow and shallow focus.

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →A clearer, well-lit, and sharply focused image of the base mark is crucial for definitive dating and attribution.
  • →Examine the interior of the vase and the footrim for any signs of crazing, chips, or manufacturing imperfections indicative of age or firing process.
  • →A 'tap test' could help identify any hidden cracks or repairs.
  • →A UV light examination could reveal professional restoration or repairs that are not visible to the naked eye.

CERAMICS MARKET VALUE

$75 - $200

Updated: Feb 26, 2026

  • Market comparables from auctions & retail
  • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
  • Current collector demand & trends
  • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

RE

Rene

Fellow Collector•44 items

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