Adriaen Kocx, Blue and White Pyramidal Flower Vase, Delft, Circa 1690. Earthenware. Height: 95 cm. Price: €300.000. ARONSON ANTIQUAIRS at TEFAF 2024. © 2024 TEFAF

The pyramid-shaped flower vases that are still present today in museums and private collections were certainly not part of the regular assortment of the Delft potters. The production process was highly complicated and expensive. Due to marked examples, we know that of the approximately 30 pottery company’s circa five companies were involved in the production of flower vases. De Grieksche A (The Greek A), De Metaale Pot (The Metal Pot) and De Witte Sterre (The White Star) were at the top of the list. Over a period of sixty years from around 1680 to 1740, they sold a multitude of different types of vases with spouts and holes.1 The royal and noble clientele was always looking for the latest and extraordinary models, to impress their friends and relatives. Flower pyramids were often placed in fireplaces, when they were out of use in the summer time.

Provenance: Sir Cecil W.H. Beaton (1904 – 1980) Reddish House, Wiltshire, England through 1980;
Sold at Christie’s, June 10th, 1980, lot 543 and illustrated in color on page 141.

Signature: Marked with AK on the top of the plinth for Adriaen Kocx, the owner of De Grieksche A (The Greek A) factory from 1686 until 1701 and with painted numerals to the sections.