The signature blue in traditional Delft Blue ceramics comes from cobalt oxide, a natural mineral that turns vividly blue when fired at high temperatures. Painted onto the raw ceramic it looks black or grey; only in the kiln, at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, does the famous colour appear. Here is the full story behind the colour, and how it relates to our modern tiles.
Where does the blue come from?
The blue in traditional Delft Blue tiles and pottery originates from cobalt oxide, a naturally occurring mineral. Cobalt has been used in ceramics for centuries due to its vibrant and stable colour when fired at high temperatures. This mineral was historically imported to the Netherlands, often from regions as far away as Persia and Germany, making it a valuable and sought-after material.
How traditional Delftware is painted
In the creation of traditional Delft Blue, the cobalt oxide is ground into a fine powder and mixed with water to form a paintable substance. Artists then hand-paint designs directly onto the raw, unglazed ceramic surface. At this stage, the paint appears black or grey, making it challenging for artists to visualise the final design. Precision and experience are essential, as there is no room for mistakes.
From black to blue in the kiln
After painting, the ceramic piece is coated in a clear glaze and fired in a kiln at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. During firing, the cobalt oxide reacts with the glaze, transforming into the vibrant blue colour that Delft Blue is famous for. The heat fuses the paint and glaze to the ceramic, creating a durable and permanent finish. This process has remained largely unchanged since the 17th century, when Delft Blue first rose to prominence as a Dutch adaptation of Chinese porcelain.
And our modern tiles?
Good to know: our own tiles honour this tradition in look and spirit, but they are made differently. Instead of hand-painting with cobalt, we use modern sublimation printing, where the design is embedded into the ceramic with heat and pressure. That is what makes photorealistic designs and personalised tiles possible, with consistent quality in every run. Curious how that works? Read how our tiles are made.
The iconic blue of Delft ceramics is not just a colour; it is a reflection of artistry, history, and a touch of alchemical magic. Next time you admire a Delft Blue tile, whether painted by a 17th-century master or featuring your own photo, you will know the story behind the blue.
