An antique Dutch Delftware tile of a gentleman playing 'Colf'', or Het Kolven, a game similar to golf played in Holland in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The gentleman is posed in period clothing and wearing the traditional Dutch hat. He is depicted with his 'Colf' club in hand preparing to strike the ball. The club head differed in shape to the early Scottish longnose golf clubs, and although the shafts were wood, the heads were cast in metal.

Description:

This tin glazed tile has Ox head corners, although damage on the left edge of the tile has partly lost these. The design and border can be dated to the 17th and early 18th centuries. The tile would have been roughly square, but due to the loss along left edge measures 12.9 cm x 11.9 cm, and is 9-10mm thick with chamfered edges. It has some pit marks and fine cracks in the glaze, as you would expect from a tile of this age. Apart from the chipped left side the tile is in good condition for its age. The tile was probably framed at some point in the past as a leather backing is adhered to the reverse. Two pin marks to the corners are visible, which were created in the firing process.

Condition:

Apart from loss and damage to left edge, there is fine 'crazing' in the glaze, as well as some pit marks.  Firing pin marks in corners of the glaze, correct for this period of tile production. Very little loss of glaze to the tile, and little nicks to the other three sides.

Please see images. More photos available on request.

Size:

Sides 12.9 cms x 11.9 cms and thickness of approximately 10 mm.