Theo Colenbrander for Plateelbakkerij Zuid Holland, Ceramic vase with butterflies and plums, ca. 1912-1913

Ceramic vase designed by Theo Colenbrander for earthenware factory Zuid-Holland in ca. 1912-1913. The vase has a decor of butterflies and plums that was painted on by Wim van Ham. Daniël Harkink developed the exquisite glaze known for its matte finish. He also invented the technique to paint on the decor after the glaze, instead of beforehand. In this manner, the glaze and decor melted together during their final visit to the oven, which resulted in solid colours and an even surface. The works Colenbrander made for earthenware factory Zuid-Holland are not signed with the distinctive 'Lazaruspoortje' but with the Dutch flag and the letter 'h'. The letter 'h' stands for Hoyng, Harkink and Holland. Only Colenbranders works for earthenware factory Zuid-Holland are signed this way.