Blue D1653
In the post about the new Starbucks concept store in Amsterdam, I mentioned traditional Dutch Delft blue tiles. I thought I’d share a little bit more about Delft blue pottery, mostly because I just read about a line of beautiful modern pottery based on these traditional designs in Canadian House & Home.
I find heritage brands of all kinds fascinating. This one was espcially interesting to me, because I grew up admiring tiles like these that surrounded the fireplace in the house I grew up in:
Fun facts about Delft blue pottery:
- It became popular in the 1600s, when they started making them inspired by pottery imported from Asia.
- The paint that is used contains a special ingredient called cobalt oxide. It changes from black to blue in the oven. The paint is mixed with water to obtain different shades of blue; the more water is added, the lighter the blue.
- Even though there are Delft Blue imitations found everywhere in souvenir shops, the real deal is very expensive and only two companies in The Netherlands still make them: Tichelaar en Royal Delft – De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (“The Royal Porcelain Bottle”)
Here are a couple of other examples of traditional designs:
Such a beautiful jar!
Royal Blue has created a new line inspired by traditional designs. They named the line Blue D1653, which is a playful take on Delft Blue and a nod to heritage with the inclusion of 1653, the year the company was founded.
I just love the mix of modern design and tradition! The gourd vase is probably my favorite, although my tea loving heart really is quite smitten with that tea pot as well! And that milk bottle is really fun too, don’t you think?
And something else, I feel inspired by this line beyond the fact that they are pretty. I find myself inspired to want to look to the things in my past and present that I have a connection with and to use them in new and innovative ways. I don’t see myself as someone who is very innovative, but I am feeling inspired to want to push the envelope a bit and think more creatively. I think that is one things that good design can do for you, do you agree?
Which one is your favorite?
I always loved Delft porcelain and the new line is fantastic. I am partial to the tea pot!
I’m torn between the jar and the teapot (as a tea drinker myself..). Also, I think it’s cool that it starts out black and then becomes blue in the oven. The geek in me really wants to see the chemistry behind the reaction that occurs…
My mother loves blue Delft and actually has a few authentic pieces, one of which she salvaged from an old abandoned house! Can you believe that?!
Wow, what an amazing find!
I love this post. I know so little about my Dutch heritage. And funny – I have always been drawn to blue and white patterned China. I really love that little teapot set. So simple and so sweet. Thanks Jadyn!
What a fascinating history, and such beautiful and inspiring designs!
Totally with you, that gourd vase is such a beauty! I totally know what you mean in your last paragraph. It makes such a difference to have things in your home that really mean something to you (versus just filling a home with trendy things–just because). You know? That’s one of my favorite things about design! Making a space personal and charming :) You definitely have the right mindset, girl!
When I saw this I immediately thought of the book, The Girl with the Pear Earring. Have you read it? There are a lot of references to Delft tiles. That was the first time I had ever heard the name.
I haven’t read the book, but I’ve seen the movie and I loved how they talked about paint. Would love to read the book too – thanks for reminding me of that.
i’m obsessed with blue on white china! Lovely finds!
Is the new Delft produced commercially yet? Can it be purchased anywhere online?