Lamp in earthenware of Delft, nineteenth century

Delft earthenware, otherwise known as Delft blue, refers to various Dutch factories, most of which were established in the Delft region from the 17th century. At first, it was a question of imitating Chinese porcelain thanks to the distribution made by the Compagnie néerlandaise des Indes orientales. For this, the potters of Delft benefited from the know-how of excellence transmitted by Italian potters who came to settle in northern Europe. In imitation of Chinese productions, Delft earthenware makers naturally produced blue colored pieces, with Chinese decorations. It is this type of production that is most generally known. However, contrary to popular belief, Delft potters produced many polychrome pieces. Similarly, the first decorations of Chinese inspiration gradually gave way to decorations of flowers and birds. From there, the decorations are often plant motifs, but they also represent scenes of life in the countryside, the arms and mottos of a family, seascapes, or gallant scenes. There are also rare examples with trompe-l’oeil decorations.