Tulip vases

What is nowadays the tulip vase was in the 17th century still a 'flower holders with spouts' (flower holder). Beautiful showpieces that were often placed in a prominent place without flowers. During the period of King Willen III in England, his wife Mary Stuart ordered many Dutch tulip vases as gifts which caused a huge upsurge in business for Delft. Some 900 porcelain designers, for 30 companies in Delft were busy making tulip vases. Mary Stuart inspired the custom to keep fresh flowers in the house.