The Story of Delft Blue Pottery

Delftware is Dutch tin-glazed earthenware made mostly in the city of Delft. The style originated around 1600.

Cobalt oxide gives Delftware its trademark blue designs. This metal oxide withstands high firing temperatures under the white glaze.

Potters started coating entire pots in white tin glaze.

Chinese porcelain supply was interrupted after the Wanli Emperor died in 1620. Potters made thin earthenware instead.

A gunpowder explosion destroyed Delft breweries in 1654.

The main production period was 1640 to 1740. The Guild of St Luke admitted 20 masters between 1651 and 1660.

By the late 1700s, Delftware potteries closed as British porcelain took over. De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, founded in 1653, still operates.

Delft Blue formed one British Airways ethnic tailfin design on 17 aircraft. Dutch earthenware really gets around.