{"product_id":"antique-delft-blue-white-tile-depicting-mounted-cavalry-figure-with-raised-sword","title":"Antique Delft Blue \u0026 White Tile | Depicting Mounted Cavalry Figure with Raised Sword | Circa Late 17th – Early 18th Century","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Netherlands (Delft)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tin-glazed ceramic (Delftware)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 17th – Early 18th Century\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis striking antique Dutch Delft tile depicts a dramatic scene of a rider raising a sword while mounted on a rearing horse. The image is rendered in deep cobalt blue pigment against a pale tin-glazed surface, capturing a moment of movement and energy through expressive brushwork and strong contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition is characteristic of Delft decorative tiles produced during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, when artisans often drew inspiration from European prints and popular imagery of soldiers, riders, and scenes of action. The bold silhouette of the figure and horse creates a dynamic visual effect, with the rider poised as if preparing to strike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach corner of the tile is adorned with traditional decorative flourishes that frame the central scene, a common stylistic feature in early Dutch tile production. Over time, the glaze has developed a natural network of fine craquelure, adding to the piece’s authentic historical character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse of the tile displays the rough earthen backing typical of early Delft production. It also bears a faint historic handwritten notation reading \u003cstrong\u003e“Maastricht 1740 R’Dam,”\u003c\/strong\u003e likely added by a past collector or dealer as an attribution or inventory reference. Such markings are commonly found on antique Delft tiles and reflect earlier attempts to catalogue or identify the piece rather than original factory markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Authentic Dutch Delft blue and white tile\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Hand-painted cobalt decoration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Mounted rider with raised sword motif\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Traditional decorative corner flourishes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Natural craquelure across the glaze\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Historic earthen ceramic backing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Handwritten collector notation on reverse\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Dutch Golden Age and the centuries that followed, Delft tiles became an important decorative element in European homes. Installed around fireplaces, kitchens, and interior walls, they often illustrated scenes of daily life, animals, maritime subjects, and figures of action such as soldiers and riders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause each tile was individually painted by hand, no two examples are exactly identical. Surviving tiles like this provide insight into the decorative traditions and artistic practices of early Dutch ceramic workshops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge-appropriate wear including glaze crazing, minor edge wear, and small chips consistent with centuries of use. The painted decoration remains clear and visually striking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 5.2 in\u003cbr\u003eWidth: 5.2 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e250–325 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLearn about the history of \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thenovium.org.uk\/article\/27461\/Delft-Tiles\" title=\"History of Delft Tiles – The Novium Museum\"\u003eDutch Delft tiles and their decorative use in European interiors\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/ceramics-pottery-ancient-heritage-art\/Ceramics-\u0026amp;-Pottery:-Ancient-Heritage-Art\" title=\"Ceramics and Pottery – Ancient Heritage Art | Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eCeramics \u0026amp; Pottery: Ancient Heritage Art Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52613573738818,"sku":null,"price":400.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/antique-dutch-delft-tile-mounted-swordsman-cobalt-blue.png?v=1774195349","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/antique-delft-blue-white-tile-depicting-mounted-cavalry-figure-with-raised-sword","provider":"Relic and Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}