This Elegant Delft Blue Antique Mantle Clock Is A Real Dutch Treat!

In the 17^th century, the European demand for blue and white porcelain being exported by the Chinese brought about the establishment of the Dutch East India Company, which imported millions of porcelain pieces from the Chinese, in addition to other wares. However, the influx of porcelain was interrupted, with the death of Wan-Li of the Ming Dynasty. From the city of Delft, came the Dutch potters, who had first established themselves in 1584, with their production of the blue and white ceramics, to fill the void. These potters made use of a tin-glazing technique that duplicated the appearance of the porcelain exported by the Chinese. Such was their success that by 1700, production of the delftware mushroomed until more than thirty factories were in production of high-caliber ceramics, including the antique mantle clock, in the city of Delft.

Decorative delftware enjoys great popularity as a gift item and is one of Holland’s most sought-after souvenirs today, especially the antique mantle clock. Pieces are decorated by hand with scenes of different facets of Dutch history and life. Delftware found inspiration in Chinese designs, but developed European patterns as well. Dutch scenes such as fishing boats, landscapes, seascapes and windmills were also featured on decorative delft plates. There was even Polychrome ceramics, which as the name suggests consisted of many different colors and the wonderful black delft, in which the background was black instead of white.

The gorgeous blue delft antique mantle clock shown here is in a lovely hour-glass shape and rests on sturdy, yet elegant legs. Underneath the clock face, is a graceful design of a windmill in front of a white picket fence, with a sapling tree standing in the field. Above the dial is a sailboat with two seagulls in flight, while on the sides of the clock, are the designs of three sailboats, with the largest of the three in the middle. An antiqued-looking brass bezel surrounds an aged clock face, with easy-to-see, black Arabic numerals and clock hands. Intricate, raised ceramic designs adorn the entire clock, which comes up into a crest at the top. The soft, deep blue of the artwork against the gleaming white will be sure to draw your eyes in closer. This dazzling, magnificent delft blue antique mantle clock, with its delicate lines and meticulous crafting, will be sure to become your family keepsake for years to come!