From Flowers to the Dining Table: Delft’s Open Work Baskets, circa 1750

This exquisite pair of open work baskets, made in Delft around 1750 at De Porceleyne Byl, tells the story of a form that began as a vessel for floral arrangements in the late 17th century. By the mid-18th century, such baskets were just as likely to grace the dining table as centerpieces for fruit or sweets. With their intricate pierced sides, dolphin-shaped handles, and finely painted still lifes, they embody the refinement and artistry of Delftware at its peak.