Advanced Search 
This plate is painted with a symmetrical design of stylized wheat and flowers and is by Theodoor Colenbrander (Dutch, 1871-1945). Colenbrander was active with the Rozenburg firm of The Hague in the mid-1880s, the period from which this plate dates. In unglazed painted earthenware, the plate has a matte finish and strong painterly quality to it. The reverse is inscribed faintly in pencil with the artist’s name and instructions for color selection. The plate likely served as a model for other craftsmen and artists in the factory to replicate, though no plates with this design are known to date. Painted, unfired designs by Colenbrander are rare in museums outside the Netherlands.
Colenbrander’s long career spanned the turn of the century. He was one of the leading designers of decorative arts, particular ceramics, in the Netherlands, mixing exotic influences in his work. He drew inspiration from Iznik tiles, Batik textiles, and Japanese prints to create memorable, unique designs.
Model plate "Korenbloem"
Painted by: Theodoor Colenbrander (Dutch, 1871–1945)
Made at: Plateelfabriek Rozenburg (Dutch, 1883–1914)
Made at: Plateelfabriek Rozenburg (Dutch, 1883–1914)
Dutch (The Hague)
1887
Medium/Technique
Unglazed painted earthenware
Dimensions
Diameter: 27.5 cm (10 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Justin G. Schiller and Dennis M. V. David in honor of Clifford S. Ackley
Accession Number2018.3695
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsCeramics – Pottery – Earthenware
This plate is painted with a symmetrical design of stylized wheat and flowers and is by Theodoor Colenbrander (Dutch, 1871-1945). Colenbrander was active with the Rozenburg firm of The Hague in the mid-1880s, the period from which this plate dates. In unglazed painted earthenware, the plate has a matte finish and strong painterly quality to it. The reverse is inscribed faintly in pencil with the artist’s name and instructions for color selection. The plate likely served as a model for other craftsmen and artists in the factory to replicate, though no plates with this design are known to date. Painted, unfired designs by Colenbrander are rare in museums outside the Netherlands.
Colenbrander’s long career spanned the turn of the century. He was one of the leading designers of decorative arts, particular ceramics, in the Netherlands, mixing exotic influences in his work. He drew inspiration from Iznik tiles, Batik textiles, and Japanese prints to create memorable, unique designs.
Marks
Indistinct designer's name, title, and color directions in pencil
ProvenanceDominicus P. J. de Ruiter (b. 1872 - d. 1947), The Hague [see note]; November 11, 1992, Ruiter collection and others sale, Christie's, Amsterdam, lot 311, to Justin Schiller and Dennis David, Kingston, NY; February 5, 2008, Schiller-David sale, Sotheby's, Amsterdam, lot 34, unsold; December 10, 2009, Schiller-David sale, Heritage Auctions, Dallas, lot 74169, unsold; 2018, year-end gift of Justin Schiller and Dennis David to the MFA. (Accession Date: February 20, 2019)
NOTE: In 1896, Ruiter was made head of the painters' department at the Rozenburg porcelain factory.
NOTE: In 1896, Ruiter was made head of the painters' department at the Rozenburg porcelain factory.