Delft Blue is a form of pottery, originally made in the Netherlands, and usually in blue and white. Although other color schemes were used, this type of pottery was mainly used for household tableware. Later, it also became popular as vases, pictorial plates, and tiles. During the 17th century, Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer lived in Delft. His works often featured landscapes and typical Dutch images, such as fishing boats and windmills. Occasionally, Delft pottery even featured proverbs and quotes on the sides.
One of the most attractive qualities of Delft Blue pottery is its color. This traditional blue color was first created in the 17th century and is still produced in Delft today. In the early days, Dutch artisans began manufacturing traditional Delftware from clay. This clay was glazed and then painted with crushed oxides. This second firing cycle also gave the artwork its characteristic blue color. Once finished, the pottery was coated in a white glaze to preserve its unique beauty.
Chinese Origins
Delftware was influenced by Chinese porcelain. After the Dutch East India Company began importing millions of pieces of Chinese porcelain, the Dutch coveted them. When the Chinese Emperor Wanli died, the steady flow of Chinese porcelain halted, so Dutch potters created a less expensive local alternative. Chinese artworks were reproduced alongside religious motifs. Dutch scenes – windmills, fishing boats, hunting expeditions and more – were also often depicted.
Because of the popularity of Chinese porcelain, the production of Delft blue pottery began to decline. After about a century, only one factory in Delft remained. By the 1840s, there was only one factory left, the Royal Delft. In 1876, Joost Thooft purchased the factory and resumed production.
Master Craftspeople
For authentic Delft pieces, master craftsmen of Delftware make every item with the distinctive blue color using a centuries-old technique. They create special molds for each item, pour the porcelain (actually earthenware slurry) into them and allow it to set before painting the design. Then, they smooth out any rough edges. Royal Delft is the only company left that produces authentic Delft blue ware. Its recipe has not changed for centuries and has been used for their products since 1653.
Making Delft blueware begins with the composition of clay. Ten raw materials are used in the process. The basic elements are kaolin, chalk, feldspar, and quartz. The clay is mixed with water to create a liquid, and then it is cast into plaster moulds. The plaster moulds have a hollow interior, so the liquid clay is suckered up by the porous plaster. Once the clay reaches the proper thickness, it is removed from the plaster moulds.
The Delft Blue Color
One of the most attractive qualities of Delft Blue pottery is its color. This traditional blue color was first created in the 17th century and is still produced in Delft today. In the early days, Dutch artisans began manufacturing traditional Delftware from clay. This clay was glazed and then painted with crushed oxides. This second firing cycle also gave the artwork its characteristic blue color. Once finished, the pottery was coated in a glaze to preserve its unique beauty.
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