Delft Art Pottery

Delftware dates as far back as the 1600's, when the Dutch East India Company imported Chinese porcelain in blue and white. It was originally a low-fired earthenware coated in a thin opaque glaze with painted on blue or polychrome designs. It did not become known as Delft until the mid-19th century. The name originated from a Dutch village that was the area of major production. In 1876 Delftware with blue and white Dutch themes was introduced. Some of the scenes still produced today were: windmills, Dutch countryside, and children. By the end of the 19th century, only a few of the factories existed. In order to survive, the production of the old techniques of hand painted Delftware was given up and was changed to print in mass production. Royal Delft is the most well known and respected. The respect it has gained comes from the fact that it has strived throughout its history for perfection of its product.