Traditional+Delft+Pottery

=Traditional Delft Pottery=

History of Delftware
In 1602, the Netherlands became acquainted with porcelain from China. Porcelain became so popular that it turned into a serious competition for local potters. In order to save their trade, Dutch potters imitated porcelain and created Delftware. Delftware potters liked to call Delftware porcelain, but that is technically incorrect. Porcelain is made from porcelain clay (kaolin). Delftware is made from a clay mixture, and when it is taken out of the kiln it is covered with a glaze. Delftware became very popular and still is today.

Throughout the years 1600 and 1800, Delft became one of the most important ceramics producers in Europe. The popularity of Delftware was extreme. Rich families would proudly show off their collections. At a glance, Delft pottery is recognized as beautiful blue and white intricately-painted ceramic. Pieces include plates, vases, urns, tiles, ornaments, and bowls of many different shapes and sizes. During the 17th and 18th centuries, a large part of businesses were active in making Delftware. Around the mid-18th century there was more mass production. Due to this, the quality of Delft started to suffer visibly, because the attention to hand-painted detail was lacking. To make things even worse for Delftware, the Netherlands started to produce porcelain. Delftware became so unpopular. In 1876 Joost Thooft wanted to make Delft poplar again, and because of his efforts in improving quality, Delftware is still known, sought and collected around the world.