In 17th Holland, flower bulbs from the east were all the craze! At the height of Tulimania bulbs were being traded for very high prices, and in a few extraordinary cases fetched prices equal to that of a nice house.  Delftware Tulipieres originally held spring bulbs like tulips, crocus, and hyacinth to grow inside the home. Today they make and elegant and easy way to show off cut flowers.