D2517. Pair of Blue and White Chinoiserie Plates

Delft, circa 1680

Each marked SVE in blue for Samuel van Eenhoorn, owner of De Grieksche A (The Greek A) factory from 1678 until 1685

Each painted in the transitional style, the center features two Asian figures strolling in a fenced garden, one holding a parasol, surrounded by Asian figures on the rim, engaged in various scenes within the lush confines of a garden.

DIMENSIONS
Diameter: 25.3 cm. (10 in.)

NOTE
In 1678, Samuel van Eenhoorn inherited the renowned Delftware factory De Grieksche A (The Greek A) from his father, Wouter van Eenhoorn.

Established as one of the most prestigious Delftware producers in history, the factory’s legacy began in 1658 when Wouter, an astute entrepreneur, acquired the property. Originally functioning as a beer brewery, the premises were transformed into a Delftware manufactory under Wouter’s guidance. At the time, he already owned other notable enterprises, including De Drie Posteleyne Astonne (The Three Porcelain Ash Barrels), also situated on Lange Geer in Delft, adjacent to his new venture. The Van Eenhoorn family maintained ownership of De Grieksche A until 1722, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone of Delft’s ceramic artistry.

Wouter van Eenhoorn’s innovative approach to business extended far beyond the local market. He recognized the potential of international trade, a vision he shared with his son, Samuel. By 1674, Samuel had been admitted to the Guild of Saint Luke and became a shareholder in the company. Samuel’s role as a shopkeeper was pivotal, as he was tasked with expanding international orders. Within a year, he established connections in Rouen, a hub of France’s faience industry. Under his leadership, the factory’s clientele grew to include Amsterdam, London, Hamburg, and beyond.

The Van Eenhoorns specialized in crafting exquisite blue-and-white faience inspired by Chinese porcelain of the Kangxi (1662–1722) and transitional (1620–1644) periods. These chinoiserie designs were of such remarkable quality that De Grieksche A’s products were often referred to as porcelain.” The factory’s reputation for superb craftsmanship and innovative design attracted prestigious commissions, including a 1667 order from the city of Delft to produce “porcelain pieces” for the wife of the Swedish ambassador to the Netherlands.

Wouter’s strategic foresight and Samuel’s craftsmanship propelled De Grieksche A to unparalleled success, cementing its legacy in the history of Delftware.

SIMILAR EXAMPLES
A single plate with similar decoration and marked SVE is illustrated in Aronson 2024, p. 19, no. 5. A pair, also marked SVE, but painted with a Long Eliza in the center is illustrated in Aronson 2013, p. 16, no. 6.