Delft Blue
Who hasn’t seen it and thought of Holland – the blue and white milk jug or kitchen tiles or even the little kissing Dutch girl and boy made out of porcelain? Delftware is found in many Dutch households and is enormously popular with tourists. But what is Delft pottery actually and where can you find some in Amsterdam?
Origins
If you’ve ever wondered whether Delft pottery and Chinese Ming porcelain had anything to do with each other, well they do! Until the late 16th century ceramics were only available to the rich. But in the early 1600’s, the Dutch became acquainted with porcelain from China. It became so popular that local potters had to do something to save their trade - so they imitated the porcelain and created Delftware. Oriental scenes gave way to Dutch scenes, and Delftware is highly collectible even today.
Delft factories
Of course, true Delftware comes from the city of Delft. Between 1600 and 1800 Delft was one of the most important ceramic production centres in Europe. Delftware products have been an important export product from the Netherlands for 400 years and Delftware is still well known around the world. The 17th-century Royal Delft Factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) and Delft Pottery 'de Delftse Pauw' are the only remaining factories of the original Delft Blue ceramic producers. The charming town of Delft and it’s pottery factories and shops can easily be visited in a day-trip from Amsterdam.
Buying the wares
Delftware is made from a clay mixture that is covered with a tin glaze after it has come out of the kiln. Delftware painters paint the traditional decorations on the articles entirely by hand – and it doesn’t only have to be in blue. Galleria d'arte Rinascimento in the Jordaan has a large assortment of antique and new Delft pottery from the Royal factory on offer. Another fine place to source your wares is Jorrit Heinen Royal Gifts and Collectables, in the Munt tower.
Made by you
Do you fancy giving it a go yourself and creating your own souvenir to take home? Well, at Made by Me in Amsterdam you can! The workshop is a creative and original way to get in touch with other people and get to know Amsterdam – and yourself – in a new way. Made by Me is located in a historic building with a terrace, just next to Leidseplein Square and Vondelpark. So, will it be a mug, or a tile or a tea-box you take home? You might be tempted to start a Delftware collection!
Delftware is typically Dutch and whether you choose an antique piece or to make your own pottery, this iconic blue porcelain makes a great Amsterdam souvenir!
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