Delftware: New England? Y/N

Hello, everyone! I'd like start by thanking you all for the kind wishes on my last post♥ 

I finally broke my fever last night and am feeling much better today (or tonight, I should say, since I'm writing this so late.)

I'm also having a "snow-day" tomorrow, so life is looking better already!

Now, moving on to my topic.
I was reading Lorna Barrett's post this afternoon on her lovely china collection,
which got me thinking about my favorite type of pottery:  

Delftware.

I instantly wanted to post about it, but then grew conflicted, since Delftware did not originate in New England. But, after doing a little research and discussing it with my mom (my handy historian), I came to an understanding that, although Delftware was Dutch in origin and the Dutch did not settle in New England, they still traded with the New Englanders nonetheless (and it's safe to assume some of their goods were Delftware.) Furthermore, some Dutch potters emigrated to Britain, and in turn, traded directly with the Colonies. That explains why many wealthy New England households owned some Delftware.

With that said, I ultimately feel this is appropriate for my blog, and it would be my pleasure to share with you a little history of it, along with some photographs:

"A Brief History of Delftware:

Many people think of Delft as a simple ceramic decorated in blue with windmills or flowers. In fact that merely represents a tiny portion of Delftware.

At the beginning of the 17^th Century the potters in the Dutch city of Delft began to produce plates, dishes, plaques, tiles, pots and vases. They developed these from European Majolica, but were also influenced by Chinese porcelain. Over the next l½ centuries they made a product that was to turn their city into a household name. Many pieces were decorated in blue, but polychrome (multi colour) was also used. Some pieces were very simple and others sophisticated and highly decorated. At the peak, over 30 potteries produced Delftware using a tin-glaze technique. The Royal Kingston, Royal Delft exhibition displayed many 17^th and 18^th century pieces, illustrating the development from the early beginnings to this so-called "Golden Age".

Some Dutch potters relocated to Britain in the 17^th Century and thus Delftware was also made in England (particularly in London), Scotland and Ireland.

In the 18^th Century, English ceramics (particularly Wedgewood) surpassed Delftware, leading to the closure of most of the Delftware factories. By the mid-19^th Century, only one Delftware factory remained: De Porceleyne Fles ("The Porcelain Bottle").

Founded in 1653, De Porceleyne Fles changed ownership in 1876. The new owner wanted to revive Delftware by using new production techniques and new artistic styles. A substantial increase in public interest followed, and the "Royal" predicate appeared in the early 20^th Century: Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, Anno 1653 or Royal Delft.

Porceleyne Fles Delft is made and painted entirely by hand. As the company's products gained international acclaim, the interest in Delftware grew tremendously. This gave rise to a plethora of imitations and inexpensive tourist souvenirs, most of which are transfer-painted.

The interest in both antique and modern Delftware is at an all-time high."

Delftware is so beautiful, not only in an aesthetic-sense, but in an historical one. Much of its pottery depicts various illustrations of religious scenes, native Dutch scenes (fishing and hunting scenes, land and seascapes), and according to Wikipedia: "Sets of plates were made with the words and music of songs; dessert was served on them and when the plates were clear the company started singing"

... how adorable is that?

Delft plate (intended for the French market) with the song, "To the Too Quick Lover" (c. 1747)

Lyrics in English:

"Air
You hear me well
You know not to hold yourself
And me I cannot finish
My beauty excites you
Ah well
And you do too quick
You hear me well "

Plaque of the Prophet Elijah being fed by the Ravens (c. 1658)

Delftware Dish (c. 1750)

 

Naively painted with the Dutch fleet at the Doggersbankbattle 

in honour to the Dutch commander “Zoutman” (post 1781)

 

Blue and White Tile with a Hare (c. 1620-1650)

Soldier (c. 1780)

Adam & Eve (c. 1770)

Four tiles (c. 1780)

Poseidon (c. 1660)

Beautiful group of nautical themed tiles (c. 1670)

Purple Delft tiles (c. 1770)

Delftware made today, hand-made at Royal Delft:

 

  

And, last but not least, the most charming usage of Delftware (in my opinion):

Bordered around a fireplace!

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So, whether or not Delftware can be thought of as authentically "New England,"

there's no denying that it had a huge influence on all the colonies.

Not to mention, it looks perfect in any old New England home

♥