A pair of Cows in Dutch Delftware

Cows, with or without milkers, are among the most well-known and beloved objects in Delft pottery. Always manufactured as a couple looking at each other, they have decorated fireplaces, furniture and window sills since the 18th century. Remarkably, the cows are almost always painted with exuberant flower garlands around their backs and necks. Example for this were the fattened prize cows and prize oxen that, since the 17th century, could be admired during festive parades in Dutch villages and cities every year on the name day of St. Luke, the patron saint of the butchers' guild (whose attribute is the winged ox). The crowned beast was decorated with garlands and flowers, often its horns were gilded and sometimes even adorned with oranges. The meat of this special animal was eaten at the guild's subsequent dinner and a portion was donated to the church and the poor. Therefore, the statement, "The guild ox is diverted" was also used synonymously to say, "It's party time!"