True Delftware comes only from the city of Delft in the Netherlands. It is denoted by beautiful skillfully hand painted blue and white pottery.
Delftware was created when the Dutch became acquainted with porcelain from China in the early 1600s. It became so popular that up until 1800 Delft was one of the most important ceramic production centres in Europe, so much so it became the national icon of the Netherlands. By the early nineteenth century however, Delftware potters had lost their market to British porcelain and the new white earthenware.
Today, there are only a couple original Delftware ceramic producers still in operation, mainly Royal Delft Factory and De Delftse Pauw. Delft Blue is the brand name hand painted on the bottom of ceramic pieces identifying them as authentic and collectible.
The charming town of Delft and its pottery factories, shops and restaurants make for a fun day trip from Amsterdam. In fact being able to see it hand painted up close and personal makes it quite the memorable experience.
