Artwork Page for Flower Pyramid

Details / Information for Flower Pyramid

Flower Pyramid

c. 1690
manufacturer

Adrianus Kocx

(Dutch, active 1686–1701)
manufacturer

De Grieksche A (The Greek A) Factory

(Netherlands, 1658–1811)
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Culture
Netherlands, Holland, Delft
Medium
Tin-glazed earthenware, painted in blue
Measurements
Overall: 95 cm (37 3/8 in.)
Weight: 13.22 kg
Credit Line
Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund 2024.27
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
213 Dutch Painting
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Did You Know?

The iconic blue-and-white ceramics from Delft originated as an attempt to copy Chinese porcelain.

Description

Allegorical figures representing Faith, Hope, and Love decorate the base of this pyramid, on which rest six tiers with spouts where flowers can be placed. Flower pyramids are among the most complex and luxurious types of ceramics produced in Delft in the late 1600s. This example was made in the Greek A Factory, owned by Adrianus Kocx. During his tenure, the factory became the most prestigious of Delft potteries and received commissions from Queen Mary II, who ruled over England, Scotland, and Ireland together with her husband, William III. She contributed to the international spread of the fashion for Delft ceramics.
A white ceramic flower pyramid painted with blue details features a hexagonal base supporting six tiers, narrowing with each tier. On the base each side features columns flanking a person. At the top, a blue painted frog crouches on each corner, looking up as its back supports the upper tiers. From this view, on each tier we can see four spouts curving up like creatures opening their mouths, getting smaller and closer together toward the top.

Flower Pyramid

c. 1690

Adrianus Kocx, De Grieksche A (The Greek A) Factory

(Dutch, active 1686–1701), (Netherlands, 1658–1811)
Netherlands, Holland, Delft

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