Friday, May 9, 2014

Visit to Royal Delft


When I thought of Delft, I have also thought of Delftware. Especially when I learned that Delft ceramics have been an important export product for more than 400 years and that 'Royal Delft', established in 1653, is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century. 

 
I bought the tour 'Amsterdam - Delft' and arriving the factory the guide led us to the introduction rooms, told the Royal Delft history and showed production process.
The museum has a huge collection of Delft Blue antiques, which gives a glimpse of the history of Delft Blue ware. The entire collection of traditional and modern earthenware is displayed in the showrooms. 

 The copy of 'Night Watch' by Rembrant

Following the guide I was able to see the pottery production process. Delftware, or Delft pottery is a famous type of pottery. The first factories started operating in the 16th century and gained fame mainly because of the high quality pieces resembling Chinese porcelain. The guide told us that the white tin-glazed pieces with cobalt blue drawings were an affordable substitute. 

 
Although not porcelain as such, this type of pottery became known as Dutch china.Traditional Delft pottery is also available in many other colors, but the most recognizable pieces have only a white glaze and blue paint, and are known as Delft Blue. Delftware exists in the form of tiles, plates,vases, flasks and bottles. 


  Then we were offered a test to determine a hand-painted plate. This plate has been put ​​with others plates made by printing. Of course, not everyone was able to immediately identify a genuine hand-painted piece! The guide told that with the exception of tiles, most other pieces have factory markings that usually found in the bottom of pieces. And she showed this marking that identifies both the factory that produced the piece and the artist that painted it. That was a small blue flask symbol, known as the "De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles", of the Royal Delft pieces. 


After I got examination workshops, I went to the shop where pieces made ​​by hand and by printing were sold. Prices were naturally very different.


Looking at all stands with ceramic plates, tiles, cups, vases, bells, spoons, bottles, figures I chose souvenirs for myself :)) It is impossible to visit such a famous factory and get away without souvenirs!

 My purchases: this vase, cup and  typical Dutch tile


Have you been to any ceramic factory?  
What do you prefer: hand-painted or made by printing products? 
What Delft Blue souvenirs would you like to buy for your home? 
Thank you!

26 comments:

  1. Very good choices!
    ALOHA from Honolulu
    ComfortSpiral

    =^..^= <3

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  2. Beautiful in blue and white and blue color

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  3. You chose well - the vase is charming, and so are the cup and the tile. Your post has brought back happy memories for me, for when I visited Holland as a young woman, I bought a little delft lamp for my favourite aunt. It travelled safely back to New Zealand with me, and after she died came back into my possession. So Delft ware is associated with specialness and love.

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    1. I'm glad you recollected your visit to Holland . My Delft ware is associated with good taste and beauty. Hope your Delft lamp goes well with your renovated home!

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  4. Great pieces of art! I love your purchase - they were good choices. The multi-necked vase is my favourite.

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    1. When I've seen this five-necked vase I understood it's my souvenir!
      Thank you Elsie!

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  5. Oh,i have a Blue Delfware collection,from Delft!My daughter lives there and brings me some,when she comes to Greece!
    I like your choices Nadezda!If i'll visit Delft ,i want to see how they make them!
    Dimi...

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    1. It was interesting excursion in Delft factory, Dimi. I saw the workshops, masters painted the plates, cups, vases, tiles etc.
      Thank you!

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  6. Que maravilla de porcelana, que color más bonito. Esa loza es preciosa y no para comer todos los días en ella, da pena que se rompa. Mejor verla de exposición.
    Buen fin de semana.
    Un beso

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    1. Ha, ha! Creo que voy a mirar a esa taza y no beber de ella.
      Gracias Laura!

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  7. A very interesting tour! My mother loved blue Delftware. I have never been to a ceramic factory but I used to make pottery when I was younger. I dream of someday visiting Imperial Porcelain (formerly the Lomonosov Porcelain Factory) in St. Petersburg. I have many pieces that were made there and find them very beautiful.

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    1. Peter, I did not know you have a collection of Imperial Porcelain, it's a surprise! I have some, mostly ware. Now I have some pieces from Royal Delft. Thank you!

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  8. I would be in awe there. I adore blue and white china and have it all over the kitchen and around the house, so I would love to tour that place. You brought back some beauties Nazdeza. I love the vase. Thanks for sharing your visit.

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  9. I like the vase you bought. I didn't visit the Royal Delft in Amsterdam. Beautiful ceramics. Happy weekend, Nadezda!

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    1. Glad you liked this ceramic, thank you Satu!

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  10. Dear Nadezda!
    I admire the ceramics with Delphi.
    In the Netherlands, I was several times. Never in Delphi.
    I need to change
    Have a nice, happy weekend.
    Greetings.
    Lucia

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    1. You have to visit Delft, I'm sure Lucia, you will love the ceramic pieces!

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  11. Beautiful works of art, you made some great choices. Happy Sunday.

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  12. Looks like a fascinating tour. I like the floral patterns they use.

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    1. I love these patterns as well, the floral and this one a copy of 'Girl with pearl ear ring' by Vermeer. Thank you Jason!

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  13. Those plates are so beautiful - if I ever entered that museum, I would never leave! (At least not with my wallet intact...) They do look very Chinese. I like the blue and white ones, but also the full color plate at the top is just stunning. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous art!

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