A delftware plaque

This richly decorated model plaque was intended for elaborate painting.
The flat plate with its beautifully scalloped wide rim and intricate shell-shaped motifs in relief was shaped in a mould.
The painting falls into three parts: in the centre a Dutch landscape in blue and white, surrounded by a fine, multicoloured painting with colourful flowers and lapwings and the whole finished with a coloured border, in which four moulded Jacobs shells.
Lapwings are very Dutch and symbolise love.
The top is pierced with two holes for hanging, the back is glazed. No restorations, original condition.
Dutch, mid-18th century
Ex-collection Salomon Stodel Antiques, Amsterdam.
Literature: See catalogue Delft Old Art and Antiques Fair 1980, p. 44 ( Delft oude kunst en antiek beurs 1980)