Antique handpainted blue and white Delft vase. Made in the Netherlands (Holland), circa 17th century. Ex museum. 

Approximately 6 1/2 inches high. 

Typical baluster shape. Faceted, fairly tall base. Each facet painted with a heart and a V seperating the facets and in the cusp of the heart. The round body of the

vase is very finely handpainted with exotic birds and flowers. Exquisite detail - see the plumage on the head of the peacock, the fine lines, the wider, softer and

harder use of the brush. Simple patterns around shoulders and neck. 

Tin glaze / faience, which has slightly seperated in lines near the top, but not any deeper.
The chips, shown clearly in the 'photos, are largely of a similar nature and to a large extent, are where the glaze is missing, but does not impinge on the ceramic

body underneath. 

This vase was loaned by the original owner's family to a museum in Cape Town (ex Dutch Colony). After over 100 years it was taken back from the museum and sold to

the previous owner, now deceased.