This charming pair of vintage Delft Blue windmill salt and pepper shakers captures the heart of Dutch artistry in miniature form. Crafted in traditional ceramic and finished in the unmistakable blue-and-white glaze of classic Delftware, these pieces evoke the serene canals, tulip fields, and timeless windmills of the Netherlands.
Each shaker is hand-painted, featuring intricate cobalt blue floral and geometric motifs against a crisp white glaze. The windmill blades, delicately modeled and affixed with small brass pins, are functional and can gently rotate—adding an authentic touch of whimsy and movement. The bases are marked with hand-painted numbers (“114”), typical of older production methods, suggesting small-batch craftsmanship rather than mass manufacturing.
Originating from the mid-20th century, these delightful ceramic figures exemplify the artistry passed down through Dutch pottery traditions that date back to the 1600s. Originally inspired by Chinese porcelain, Delft artisans transformed the technique into something uniquely European—imbuing each piece with pastoral charm and heritage.
Whether displayed in a vintage kitchen, tucked into a curio cabinet, or used as a quaint conversation piece, these windmill shakers invite nostalgia and storytelling. Their enduring color, folk-inspired detailing, and practical form make them the perfect collectible for admirers of Delftware and European pottery alike.
Discovered by Treasures of Bako, have we got a gem for you.