A fine and well-painted 18th-century English Delft tile, decorated in a deeper cobalt blue with two recumbent sheep in a pastoral setting.
The design is taken from a 17th-century etching by the Dutch artist Nicolaes Berchem, whose work strongly influenced English and Dutch tile painters throughout the 18th century.
This example was produced in Liverpool around 1750, and shows the distinctive tonal wash and delicate brush shading typical of the region’s best delft decorators. The glaze is clear and glossy, and the subject remains crisp and well defined.
Dimensions
5 inches (12.7 cm) square
Condition
Excellent condition with clean glaze, sharp detail and only minimal surface marks expected from age.
Period & Origin
England, Liverpool, circa 1750
Tin-glazed earthenware (“Delftware”)
Provenance
From a private English collection of 18th-century delftware tiles and ceramics.
Related Pieces
See our English Delft ceramics collection for comparable examples.
This tile dates to the early 18th century and sits comfortably alongside other examples featured on our 18th Century ceramics page, where related wares are grouped by period.
Enquiries
If you would like further photographs, condition details or shipping information, please contact us and mention the piece you are interested in quoting “English Delft Tile with Recumbent Sheep, Liverpool c.1750 (Darker Palette)”.
