What is hand painted delftware?

Hand painted delftware is tin glazed earthenware decorated with cobalt blue pigments. The inventory consists entirely of eighteenth century pieces. These items include bowls, plates, jars, and vases made in Dutch and English workshops.

How old is this pottery?

The available pieces date from the eighteenth century. This includes English production from the middle decades of that period. Dutch styles from the eighteenth century also form a significant portion of the record.

How were these pieces decorated?

Decorators used cobalt oxide and cobalt pigment applied by hand onto a tin glaze. The brushwork creates the distinctive blue and white appearance. Artists painted botanical, geometric, or commemorative designs directly onto the white surface before firing.

What forms do these ceramics take?

The surviving objects comprise decorative plates, shallow bowls, jars, and vases. Marriage plates and large vessels also appear. Each form served decorative or domestic functions in historical households.