Dutch Ceramics

European ceramics underwent a tremendous change in the 17th century. The technique of majolica and its artisans had migrated to the Netherlands and Belgium from Italy around the 16th century. Following the capture the Antwerp by the Spanish, they settled in several Dutch cities, including Delft, whose ceramics were strongly influenced by the tin-glazing techniques those artists had brought them, themselves heavily influenced by Islamic techniques and motifs steeped in the majolica tradition.

But the development of the Delft ceramics (tin-based earthenware) did not stop there, and underwent yet again a radical change after coming into contact with far eastern ceramics. Chinese blue and white Wan-Li (1573-1619) porcelain began to appear in Holland and was to make a profound impact on the local wares, resulting in the well-known Dutch Blue and White style usually associated with Delft today. This is because of the activities of the Dutch East India Company in the early 17th century.

Decorations on such ware were usually of blue and white. Such was applied rapidly and swiftly with skillful care so as not to smudge over the layer of the glaze. Other colors were used rarely. Early ones were done in the Chinese manner, in that it depicted the same style of Chinese decoration as found on the imports. But later, they incorporated native Dutch scenes such as windmills and fishing boats. Delft factories also began producing poly chrome (multi-colored) ceramics, copying Chinese Kang-hsi and Japanese Imari wares. The only remaining original producer of Dutch delftware is "De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles" founded in 1653.