Delft Tile with Figure, c. 1800, Netherlands
Delft tiles have long been collected for their simple blue-and-white decoration and the remarkable variety of subjects depicted on them, ranging from landscapes and figures to animals and everyday scenes.
The exact subject is uncertain, but the scene appears to show two men in the middle of a quarrel. The man on the left seems to be throwing a right-handed punch, while the man on the right reels backward from the blow, his broad-brimmed hat flying from his head. For those of us more accustomed to figures such as immortals and children in East Asian ceramic decoration, it is difficult not to be charmed by a scene this humorous and unexpectedly human.
Delft tiles are often framed so that the tile fits closely within the frame. For this piece, however, we chose to leave a generous margin around the tile and mount it slightly raised above a black backing. This gives the tile a stronger sense of depth and allows it to be seen not simply as an architectural fragment, but as an object in its own right.
Condition & Kintsugi Repair
The tile had been broken into three large fragments. The pieces were rejoined and repaired using natural urushi lacquer, and the repaired lines were finished with 23.2-karat gold.
There are also several small unrepaired chips along the edges, together with very minor areas of glaze loss on the surface. For a tile of this age and type, these are not particularly significant.
Dimensions
Tile: 13.0 × 13.0 cm
Framed: 22.5 × 22.5 × 2.3 cm
Measurements are approximate.
Display & Care
Hanging hardware and cord are included, allowing the work to be displayed immediately.
The framing was designed to emphasize the three-dimensional presence of the tile, and therefore does not include protective glass or acrylic glazing.
Avoid touching the black paper backing with bare hands, and do not display the work where it may come into contact with water or other liquids. Skin oils, moisture, or other substances may cause staining or discoloration of the paper surface.
Price
1,800 USD
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Works can be viewed in person at the YACCA studio in Fukuoka by appointment.
Item No: FW-002