Delft Pottery – White and blue pottery is what makes up Delft pottery or Delftware. In this type of pottery, a white glaze is used and metal oxides are used to decorate the pieces. Delftware consists of different tablewares such as tiles, figurines, vases, and plates.
Delft pottery started in the 17th century in Delft, Netherlands. They began producing hand painted classic pottery, which later grew in popularity because of its distinctive blue and white colors. The tin glazed pottery technique they were using was started by Guido da Savino in 1512 in Antwerp, Netherlands. In the 1560′s, the production of painted pottery grew in popularity from the south to the northern Netherlands. From 1640-1740 tin glaze pottery in the Netherlands became a major product, and it was at this time that the potters began to mark their pieces with factory marks and personal monograms.
The Dutch potters improved their techniques and made finer products with the use of marl, which is a type of clay rich in calcium compounds. The typical delftware body was a blend of three clays: one local, one from Tournai, and one from the Rhineland. See Pottery currently available here.
Delft pottery has grown in popularity over time around the world, mostly because there is a lot more variety now and the quality of the pieces has improved. Currently, Delfts Blauw, or Delft Blue, is the brand name placed on the bottom of ceramic pieces that signifies that the product is genuine.
Rookwood Pottery – In Cincinnati, Ohio, the world-renowned Rookwood pottery began almost 100 years ago. It was Maria Longworth’s determination and talents that made Rookwood pottery come into life. And this company became the first female-headed manufacturing company in the United States. Maria initiated the brilliant production of Rookwood pottery and through her initiative and dreams she hired a team of popular artists, talented students, and glaze technicians. She inspired them to exchange concepts in their work to produce incredible works of art. With all her energy she encouraged her people to work with inspiration, make their dreams come alive through their art, and try new things that would improve their skills.
In 1876 in Philadelphia, Maria Longworth attended the Centennial Exhibition. Many countries participated, showcasing their finest ceramic accomplishments. American skills at that time were looked down upon by many countries because their techniques are considered lagging behind and their art is substandard. This caused Maria to push herself to make excellent pottery. Add a genuine Rookwood Pottery item to your collection.
The talents and perseverance of Maria made Rookwood pottery the first in the United States to be recognized in art pottery. Rookwood pottery won the first place Gold Medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1898. At that time most people were amazed because they didn’t know that American ceramics were capable of producing serious works of art. Rookwood pottery continued to produce remarkable ceramics and today they are still improving and gaining more attention in art pottery.
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