Delftware

Their earthenware became increasingly thin, white and shiny. They decorated their white tin-glazed earthenware with blue designs, creating a colour scheme that was strongly reminiscent of Asian porcelain. Known originally as ‘faience’, this type of earthenware was referred to as ‘Hollants porceleyn’ in the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1650, the city of Delft became the epicentre of earthenware production in the Netherlands, giving rise to the name by which we know it today: Delftware. Trade with China came to a virtual standstill during this period due to the Chinese Civil War (1644-1684), giving Delftware an opportunity to flourish and gain in popularity among the European elite.