Pen Porn: SPS Delft Cats

Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for pen envy or impulse purchases resulting from viewing this post.

Per usual, you can click on the images to view them larger. I do my best to provide you with high-quality pen porn. 😉

As with my other two pens by Yulia Glas, this was not a commission. But, somehow, she was able to create a pen that seems like it’s made specifically for me. And I snagged it within seconds of it posting.

To start, I’ve wanted a pen to represent my Dutch heritage for a while. While my family wasn’t from Delft, Delft Blue is certainly a famous Dutch export.

Then, she included four cats — Jim and I have four cats. And she even managed to paint personalities that match my kitties’ personalities. It’s amazing!

About Delft Blue

Before I jump into the pen porn, I want to provide a really quick overview of Delft Blue for those who are unfamiliar with it. Per Delft’s website:

Delft Blue (Delfts Blauw) originated in the late 16th century as a cheaper alternative to the blue-and-white porcelain that was imported from China. These world-renowned ceramics have been produced in Delft since the 17th century.

The ceramics soon became hugely popular, particularly between 1650 and 1750 when Delft had no fewer than 33 ceramics factories. Today, there are still several factories that follow the authentic process for creating earthenware, but Royal Delft is the only one that goes back to this heyday.

Discover Delft Blue

Royal Delft has a great page on the way they create Delft Blue, and I borrowed two of their photos to show some traditional work.

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360° Views

Per usual, let’s start out with the 360° views. Again, you get both a video and photo layout. You should also check out SPS’ video of this pen.

Cats

As I worked on the images for this post, it occurred to me that the four cats on the pen can each represent one of my cats.

Like my little goddess, Athena, the cat on the cap is fancy and regal. This is clearly a cat who knows its ancestors were worshipped as gods and expects the same treatment.

I love the detail of the collar, and the floral design spreading out from the base of its tail.

Then, at the top of the barrel, we have this standoffish cat who is, perhaps, a bit scared of the world like my boy Dante.

But, even with its back to us, we’re treated to gorgeous floral and fern-like designs, and some stunning shading work.

Looking up at the previous cat, and determinedly not looking at the viewer, is this cat on the barrel. This is like my Ritz, brother to Dante, who desperately wants to be a big, independent boy, but is learning to acknowledge that he likes cuddles.

I love that it’s sitting on a flower. And the fantastic floral motif along its back is well balanced with the curls and leaf at its front.

And we end with this adorable cat offering up its belly to pet, who can’t be anyone other than my Bumbledore who loves belly scritchies.

The toe beans are so cute, and the white swirls on the end of the tail and along the legs add some extra depth to the blue. I just noticed this guy has a flower cravat, definitely my Bumbledore.

Yarn

And, of course, cats need toys. And what better toys than yarn? I love that, despite rendering three balls, all with trailing yarn, they are all distinct in appearance. There’s a delightful sketchiness to the way they were painted that works well in this Delft Blue style.

Flowers

Can you even have Delft Blue without flowers? Yulia has rendered several different kinds throughout the pen, both in the background and, as you’ve seen, on the cats. They are also a slightly different blue than the cats. I don’t know if she mixed pigments or use a different on for the background elements, but it’s a beautifully subtle difference.

Signature

Like the /blog/pen-porn-cats-books/, Yulia once again hid her signature in the design. It’s hard to see, so I created an edited version so you can see it clearly. have fun swiping between the two.

Finials

Delft Cats is capped by a silver SPS finial coin. And, at the opposite end, we have a lovely flower

Additional Details

Hidden in the background, and difficult to see in some of the pictures, are various floral and vine motifs done in the palest of grays. Hats off to Yulia for an excellent idea. It’s a brilliant way to fill white space without becoming overwhelming.

I love the swirly, dotted lines that appear throughout the pen. Many of them “grow” from the yarn trailing off of the balls, but some stand alone or extend from flowers. the contrasts between the lighter vine, darker leaves, and lighter dots are very pleasing.

You’ll have to view the images full size to appreciate this one. In various places on the pen, you can actually see individual grains of the pigment used to paint this pen. I can’t quite say why I find that so awesome, but I do.

I’m so happy I got to add this pen to my collection. It certainly holds a special place in my heart for its completely unintentional meaning.

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Which of Yulia’s cat pens do you prefer, this one or Cats and Books? Are you hoping she paints more, or would you like to see some other animal? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

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