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Sometimes we get asked about identifying
delftware but we aren't experts about it and usually try to steer
this question to people who are. But here are some things that
might help....Identifying delftware is a complicated
process. You need 1) a good book to identify marks, and you need
2) a vibrant marketplace to set realistic prices. The book,
"Discovering Dutch Delftware" by Dr. Stephen Van Hook has been
created in recent years.
Using the word/name 'Holland'
has not been exclusive for some time. The Dutch have marked the
words Delft and Holland at the bottom of their pieces for quite
awhile. Screen printed pieces, the most affordable, and mass
produced, have this typed of labeling on the bottom. Hand painted
pieces, the more expensive and exclusive pieces, are usually
marked with the name of artist and a pottery mark and painted
pieces often have brush strokes on them
We can get the book for you if you are
interested in pursuing this, just let us know and we can give you
a current printing price. It will provide you the history of the
delftware production over the many years and the kinds of
processes used as well as cover many illustrations and pictures and
the kinds of markings that are used for comparison purposes. If
may even help you see the value in some pieces that you currently
have :)
Marketplaces are different; they are ever changing and you will
have to do your homework to find good ones for your pieces.
Read up on your delftware to understand the
value of what you have. The marks on the pieces may actually be
very misleading because a crown mark isn't always an indication of
royal delft and the words hand painted or made in Holland aren't
always a guarantee that is was. (Although our pieces ARE actually
imported from Holland because we deal with a reputable importer).
This is because the Netherlands doesn't have regulating laws about
the Country of Origin labeling as other countries do such as the
United States does. A Made in China label, to us, means cheap and
poorly made, yet these pieces can sit right next to true delftware
in Holland with no separation.
If you're interested in this book, let us know, and we will get
you current pricing information :)
info AT rawhidestudios.com
Originally, the term 'Delft' derived from the town of Delft
itself. The Netherlands started by producing tin-glazed
earthenware, and eventually went on the produce other works.
This was in the late 15th century though and many potteries
sprang up in towns all over Holland in places such as Rotterdam, Haarlem, and Amsterdam. Because so much of it was being
made and it had become so popular, and it had fast become the
main source of production in the 17th century, almost 30
companies were working.
Some of their designs were influenced by Chinese design, but
when Chinese design had stopped being imported in the middle of
the 17th century, which was blue and white, the Delft potters
were left to create their own designs and their creativity
extended to a variety of colors such as gold, purple, blue, red,
green and black.
Eventually, when the potters settled in London, with additional
influences there, Delft pottery began to flourish and eventually include flowers, ships,
landscapes and biblical scenes. You will, today, see many lovely
and intricately exquisite pieces of work reflecting just this
influence.
True Dutch delft may often have a gritty texture with a thick
glaze and possibly a stippling on the surface caused by air
bubbles when fired. Tin glazes may have crackling in it and will
appear whiter.
British delftware will often have a hint of pink or blue and the
colors will be a bit muted. The glaze may be a bit glossier and
smoother and does not craze as easily.
Care
of your Delft
Wipe with a damp cloth to keep clean and dust free. Do not use in
a dishwasher. Keep from direct sunlight to avoid fading or any
damage to the glazes.
Shipping Outside
the U.S
Yes, we do ship outside the U.S, but because each case is
different, we can't, and won't, make any automatic shipment prices like other
websites do because often, this will actually cost you more money.
In fact, it's to your benefit for us to get an approximate idea of
the total weight of the shipped item and all additional costs
(overseas costs will often require additional fees such as duty
taxes, insurance etc) and then we can give you an much better
final estimate. We do this for our customers rather than give a
rounded and inflated cost of an item. Though this takes time, it
does save you money! If you are interested, just let us know :)
We'll do our best to help you as best we can. |
