Delft is a city in the Netherlands that dates back to the 13th century. Delft pottery or Delftware is a beautiful blue and white pottery that was made around the 17th century. It can be recognize by the white glaze and its metal oxide decorations. During the peak of interest in Delftware, the potters started making a distinction in their work by monogramming or applying specific factory markings
. to each piece.Delftware first started out in 1512 in Antwerp, Netherlands with Guido da Savino. This pottery spread throughout the Netherlands during the next several decades, from the 1560s eventually to the 1580s where it found its way to Amsterdam. By 1615, potters were using white tin to coat the pottery, followed by clear glaze. This technique was designed to resemble porcelain, which was starting to be imported from China around this time. The finer workmanship of the pottery was done in Delft, where it eventually received its name, Delftware. By 1640, pottery artists were personalizing their work and started joining guilds.The art of Delft pottery progressed, insomuch that by 1700 enamel colors were being used in the pottery and the designs became more sophisticated, including religious themes and landscapes. Delft potters even created roof tiles for houses. It wasn't until the mid 1700s that Delftware lost its steam, replaced by British porcelain and other earthenware. In the 1800s most Delft potters went out of business and now the only authentic Delftware is produced by Delft Blue.There are numerous marks that distinguish original Delft pottery. The marks indicate different locations that made the porcelain, such as Weesp, Oude Loosdrecht, Oude Amstel and Amsterdam. The marks also indicate the different companies such as A. La Fond & Co., The Hague, The Ewer, The Flowerpot, The Claw, The Porcelain Bottle, The Greek "A", The Three Bells and The Rose. More reference links: http://www.bluedelft.com/inandvaldel.html http://www.oldandsold.com/pottery/holland1.shtml
