Signed IVL above numerals 1 and 16, for Johannes en Margaretha Van Lockhorst-Van der Gucht, De Klaauw, 1713-1740.

Black Delftware is the least produced type of Dutch Delftware. Inspired by "mirror black" Chinese porcelain and Japanese lacquerwork, black Delftware forms a small but interesting part of the history of the ultimate Dutch export product from the "Golden ages". According to experts, only approximately 120 pieces of black Delftware exist, of which 65 to 70 are currently known.

Black Delftware is generally situated in the first quarter of the 18th century, although two black Delftware horses dated 1695-1720 appeared in Aronson, Dutch Delftware, 2006, p. 42. One was marked LVE for Lambertus van Eenhoorn. Furthermore, it is interesting to note the existence of a pair of milking groups in Black Delftware. These were sold at Christie's, Amsterdam, Sale 2232, Lot 528, Jun. 7, 1994 and attributed to De Dobbelde Schenckan or De Metalen Pot (1690 - 1720).

Also interesting to note, is the existence of another piece of undecorated black Delftware, a plate. It was sold at Christie's Amsterdam, Nov. 9, 2004, Sale 2641, Lot 31. This makes our present example the only known black Delft cow without polychrome overpainting.

Dim.: H: 15 cm, L: 21 cm
Condition: Some restoration to the horns and ears
Provenance: A Dutch private collection.