European DELFT

Dates:

Delft ware is so called because it was first produced in Delft, Holland in the 17th Century. The characteristic blue and white decorated earthenware was developed in an effort to copy the much prized Chinese blue and white porcelain imported into Europe in the 17th century. The finely potted blue and white earthenware was first tin glazed to give the white background and then decorated in manganese purple which fired to blue before the application of a lead based clear glaze. The style of production later spread across Holland and into England following the coronation of William III in 1689. Wares included plates and ornaments as well as tiles. Early decorative motifs copied Chinese designs but later developed other colours and more distinctively European motifs including floral patterns, portraits and landscape scenes