Delftware
From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Delftware, or Delft pottery, is
Delftware is part of the tin glaze style of pottery, in which tin-based white glaze is first applied, then metal oxide decoration and finally a lead-based clear glaze overcoat to make the surface glossy. Delftware includes pottery objects of all descriptions such as plates, ornaments and tiles. Ironically, Delftware has lost most of its appeal in the Netherlands itself due to mass production for the tourist market.
During the
Local potters attempted to make imitations of the porcelain, at first by creating maiolica; consisting of the same red earthenware, coated with a white layer to support the blue decorations. The inclusion of marl in the baking process allowed Dutch potters to refine their technique, and it was possible to make much finer items, known as
Early Delftware depicted the same style of Chinese scenery found on the imports, but soon potters were including native Dutch scenes such as
There were 33 potters in Delft producing the Delftware, which ranged from simple household items to fancy artwork. All of the potters had their own signature stamp, which was officially registered to indicate an original Delftware. Most of these potteries went out of business in the 1800s, losing popularity to increasingly popular British porcelain. The only remaining original producer of Dutch delftware is
Delftblue pottery formed the basis of one of