Han Knaap - St. Maarten Rhenen – 3 Porcelain Cube Vases 1 with crackle
Starting bid €100
Buyer's premium : 15%
| Pick up | Yes, possible |
| Location | AMMERSTOL, The Netherlands |
Auction details
| Start time | 19-10-2026 at 12:18 |
| End time | 29-10-2026 at 20:33 |
Please note: if a bid is made in the last 5 minutes, the auction will be extended by 5 minutes.
Dutch - Description
- Han Knaap (1913-1973)
| Type of artwork | Glass / Ceramics |
| Year | 1951 |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 9 cm (h x w) |
| Marked | Marked/Brand sticker |
Translated with Google Translate. Original text show .
A magnificent and unique ensemble of three identical porcelain block vases by Han Knaap (1913-1973), manufactured at his renowned porcelain factory St. Maarten in Rhenen.
This specific model dates from 1951 (Model 23 / Model letter U) and forms an iconic example of the early
Dutch Mid-Century Modernism.
This trio consists of three beautiful, coordinated pastel shades: crackle ivory white, light grey, and soft pink. The sleek geometric cube shape with the distinctive upright round neck is typical of the minimalist design language for which the factory became famous.
History and rarity:
Han Knaap founded the St. Maarten porcelain factory in Rhenen in 1949. Inspired by antique Chinese porcelain, he experimented extensively with the strength of the body and unique glazes. This specific model is documented in specialist literature (see photo, among others, in the book St. Maarten Porcelein, page 26).
What makes this set extra museum-quality and rare is the white vase. While most known white examples from this series are completely cracked, this particular example exhibits a unique progression: subtle cracking only at the base and the lower part. This makes the vase a highly sought-after collector's item for connoisseurs of Dutch design.
Stands:
The vases are in absolutely perfect vintage condition. No chips, no hairline cracks, and no restorations. A unique opportunity to acquire a complete set in three iconic colors!
Specifications and dimensions:
• Designer: Han Knaap (1913 - 1973)
• Factory: St. Maarten Porcelain, Rhenen
• Year / Model: 1951, Model 23 / Model letter U
• Quantity: 3 pieces (White crackle, Grey and Pink versions)
• Height: approx. 11.5 cm
• Width: 9.0 cm
• Depth: 9.0 cm
• Signature: Features the official manufacturer's mark on the underside
• Condition: Perfect condition (except for the unique crackle on the white)
This specific model dates from 1951 (Model 23 / Model letter U) and forms an iconic example of the early
Dutch Mid-Century Modernism.
This trio consists of three beautiful, coordinated pastel shades: crackle ivory white, light grey, and soft pink. The sleek geometric cube shape with the distinctive upright round neck is typical of the minimalist design language for which the factory became famous.
History and rarity:
Han Knaap founded the St. Maarten porcelain factory in Rhenen in 1949. Inspired by antique Chinese porcelain, he experimented extensively with the strength of the body and unique glazes. This specific model is documented in specialist literature (see photo, among others, in the book St. Maarten Porcelein, page 26).
What makes this set extra museum-quality and rare is the white vase. While most known white examples from this series are completely cracked, this particular example exhibits a unique progression: subtle cracking only at the base and the lower part. This makes the vase a highly sought-after collector's item for connoisseurs of Dutch design.
Stands:
The vases are in absolutely perfect vintage condition. No chips, no hairline cracks, and no restorations. A unique opportunity to acquire a complete set in three iconic colors!
Specifications and dimensions:
• Designer: Han Knaap (1913 - 1973)
• Factory: St. Maarten Porcelain, Rhenen
• Year / Model: 1951, Model 23 / Model letter U
• Quantity: 3 pieces (White crackle, Grey and Pink versions)
• Height: approx. 11.5 cm
• Width: 9.0 cm
• Depth: 9.0 cm
• Signature: Features the official manufacturer's mark on the underside
• Condition: Perfect condition (except for the unique crackle on the white)
Additional terms of sale
1 State of the work The condition of the work offered is described as accurately as possible in the lot description. Any visible signs of use, age, or damage are mentioned, insofar as known.
2 Review by the buyer The buyer is advised to carefully review the photos, description, and available information about the lot before placing a bid.
3 Images and description Images are for illustrative purposes only. Colors may vary slightly from the original depending on the screen and photography. Dimensions and other details are provided to the best of our knowledge.
4 Packaging and shipping The work will be carefully and appropriately packaged for shipment. The risk and method of shipment are further subject to the applicable terms and conditions of Kunstveiling.
5 Pick up If it is indicated for the lot that collection is possible, this will be arranged in consultation with the buyer.
6 Additional information To the extent relevant information regarding the work is known to the seller, it is included in the lot description to the best of their knowledge.
7 Art Auction Terms and Conditions These supplementary conditions apply solely to the extent that they do not conflict with the general terms and conditions, auction terms and conditions, or other applicable provisions of Kunstveiling. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of Kunstveiling shall prevail.
1 State of the work The condition of the work offered is described as accurately as possible in the lot description. Any visible signs of use, age, or damage are mentioned, insofar as known.
2 Review by the buyer The buyer is advised to carefully review the photos, description, and available information about the lot before placing a bid.
3 Images and description Images are for illustrative purposes only. Colors may vary slightly from the original depending on the screen and photography. Dimensions and other details are provided to the best of our knowledge.
4 Packaging and shipping The work will be carefully and appropriately packaged for shipment. The risk and method of shipment are further subject to the applicable terms and conditions of Kunstveiling.
5 Pick up If it is indicated for the lot that collection is possible, this will be arranged in consultation with the buyer.
6 Additional information To the extent relevant information regarding the work is known to the seller, it is included in the lot description to the best of their knowledge.
7 Art Auction Terms and Conditions These supplementary conditions apply solely to the extent that they do not conflict with the general terms and conditions, auction terms and conditions, or other applicable provisions of Kunstveiling. In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of Kunstveiling shall prevail.
| Condition | |||||||||||
| Condition | Very good | ||||||||||
| See photos for details | |||||||||||
| Shipment | |||||||||||
| Pick up | The work can be picked up on location. As a buyer you must bring your own packaging materials. The location is: Ammerstol, The Netherlands | ||||||||||
| Shipment | Parcel post | ||||||||||
| Price | Up to 5 kg.
| ||||||||||
| Guarantee | |||||||||||
| Guarantee | By putting the item up for auction, I agree with the Terms of Guarantee as they are applicable at Kunstveiling regarding the accuracy of the description of the item | ||||||||||
| Consumer law | This seller has indicated that they are a private seller. Therefore, consumer law does not apply. Read more | ||||||||||
The seller takes full responsibility for this item. Kunstveiling only provides the platform to facilitate this transaction, which has to be settled directly with the seller. More information .