Delft Blue (Delfts Blauw in Dutch) is the blue-and-white ceramic style that originated in the city of Delft in the 17th century. Inspired by imported Chinese porcelain, Dutch potters created their own hand-painted earthenware with cobalt-blue designs on a white glaze, and it quickly became a hallmark of Dutch craftsmanship. Below we explain where it comes from, how it's made, and how today's modern Delft Blue tiles fit into that tradition.
Where does Delft Blue come from?
In the 17th century, Chinese porcelain arrived in the Netherlands through the Dutch East India Company and became hugely fashionable. When supply from China became unreliable, potters in Delft began producing their own version in tin-glazed earthenware. They mastered the delicate blue-and-white look and, at its peak, more than thirty potteries were active in the city. The motifs were often floral designs, pastoral scenes and maritime imagery, all painted by hand.
Why is Delft Blue blue?
The signature blue comes from cobalt oxide, a mineral that only turns its famous vivid blue after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius. Before firing, the painted design actually looks black or grey. We explain the full process in a separate article: the story behind the blue in Delft Blue ceramics.
Traditional versus modern Delft Blue
Traditional Delftware is hand-painted with cobalt and typically shows classic scenes: windmills, tulips, sailing ships. Modern Delft Blue keeps the iconic blue-and-white look but opens up the subject matter, from a cappuccino or a bicycle to your own photo. At The Dutch Tile Project we introduced the modern Delft Blue design tile in 2023 and produce our tiles with sublimation printing, which embeds the design into the ceramic for photorealistic detail and consistent quality. Curious how that compares to traditional and cheaper methods? Read what sets our tiles apart.
Frequently asked questions about Delft Blue
Is Delft Blue Dutch?
Yes. Delft Blue originated in the Dutch city of Delft in the 17th century, although the style was inspired by Chinese porcelain.
Is Delft Blue always blue and white?
Classic Delft Blue is blue on a white background, which is where the name comes from. Some rare pieces use other colours, but the blue-and-white combination is the signature look.
Are modern Delft Blue tiles real Delft Blue?
They are a modern interpretation. They honour the traditional blue-and-white aesthetic but use contemporary designs and production techniques rather than hand-painting. For how to tell quality tiles apart, see our buying guide.
Bring a piece of Delft Blue home
Whether you love the classic look or a modern twist, Delft Blue tiles are stories captured in ceramic. Explore our full collection or turn your own favourite photo into a tile with Delftify.
