HISTORY OF THE TULIP PYRAMID
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Let’s start with some historical background information. The tulip pyramid vase was specially designed for tulips and was primarily a showpiece and status symbol. The first (ceramic) tulip pyramids were developed in Delft in the 17th century and decorated with a Delft Blue or Chinese motif. This vase was immensely popular during the reign of William III and Mary Stuart. In the Dutch Golden Age, tulips were a status symbol and almost priceless; during the most prosperous period, a tulip was even worth as much as a canal house. Tulip bulbs played a unique role in the economy and are sometimes referred to as ‘the bitcoin of the 17th century’.
Like the classical tulip pyramid vases, this gigantic version (an amazing 12 metres in height!) was completely painted by hand by the artists of Royal Delft.
