In-depth Articles

Delftware did not always attract the attention it receives today or that it enjoyed in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Its notoriety can be attributed to the interest and patronage of royalty and nobility. The role of specific collectors has also been influential, as their efforts and dedication for collecting continue to form the foundation…

    The Dutch drinking culture has a special relationship with Delftware. In this article, we explore how the pottery industry in Delft, influenced by these drinking traditions, has contributed to shaping the national identity. The Netherlands has few freshwater streams, and for centuries, it was not safe to drink water unless it was boiled…

Petrus van Marum - Calculations and Clay Petrus van Marum was among those who registered their factory trademark with the Saint Luke's Guild in Delft on April 21st, 1764. By then, he had owned 'De Romeyn' (The Roman) for ten years. While the legacy of products from his tenure is not extensive, he was undoubtedly…

Delft Money Banks With the introduction of coin money in the Netherlands by the Romans, saving coins began. Over the centuries, skilled craftsmen from various backgrounds contributed to the creation of money banks, which eventually became integral to the diverse range of products crafted in Delft potteries during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. These charming…

An impressive large Delft plaque in the Aronson collection shows the Twelfth Siege of Gibraltar, an historic event between a Spanish-French fleet and combined Anglo-Dutch forces in 1704-1705 (Fig. 1).  The scene is rather remarkable, because despite the triumph of the Anglo-Dutch fleet, the Dutch Republic suffered a humiliating end. This article explores the historical…

The emergence of tea and coffee culture in the Dutch Republic led to a notable expansion in the diversity of household goods. The increasing popularity of these beverages presented lucrative opportunities for manufacturers of related objects.(1) While beverages like beer, spirits, water, or wine merely required a bottle or jug and glasses for consumption, coffee-…

In 1658 'De Grieksche A' (The Greek A) transformed from a beer brewery into a pottery factory, retaining its name and flourishing into one of the most successful potteries in Delft. Under various skilled and innovative owners, the factory produced high-quality Delftware well into the last quarter of the eighteenth century. Its success is underscored…

Preserving History: Van Speyk's Portrait on a Delft Dish On February 5, 1831, now 193 years ago, Dutch naval history was made when hero Jan C. J. van Speyk detonated his own ship. As we approach the anniversary, it's an opportune time to share this narrative, which is greatly illustrated by a Delft faience commemorative…

Delft Faience Horses as Art and Symbol Horses have forged a unique and enduring connecting with humans due to their  remarkable blend of intelligence, elegance, and strength. Initially hunted, the horse earned admiration, prompting humans to recognize their utility. Over time, horses became invaluable as diligent workers, a source of pleasure in sports, and even…

Dutch seaborne trade and the spread of Delft faience in the Baltic region   (Fig. 1) Tulipière, Delft, circa 1690, marked AK for Adrianus Kocx, owner of 'De Grieksche A' (The Greek A) from 1686 until 1701, Collection of Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe in Hamburg, Inv. nr. Inv. nr 1891-282   The mother of…