Delftware or Delft Blue is a type of earthenware with cobalt blue decorations. The city of Delft in the Netherlands was the major centre of production. It started at the end of the 16th century as a

lower-cost alternative for the blue and white Chinese porcelain. In the beginning the Delft potters were mainly copying the Oriental decorations of the imported goods. Later on the earthenware became typically adorned with scenes of Dutch life. In a short period of time the Delftware became very popular and the most flourishing period of production was between 1650 and 1750. In that period there were dozens of pottery factories in Delft, specialized in plates, vases and other utensils. After 1876 also the construction earthenware started to flourish. An example of this are the tile panels which were used for wall coatings. In the beginning these tile panels were used on walls to keep out moisture. Later on they were mainly served as decoration.
Nowadays almost all Delft pottery factories disappeared. But the characteristic blue and white earthenware is still loved all over the world and inseparably connected with the Netherlands.