Collection: Delft Blue Wall Plate

Delft Blue, once the pride of the Dutch Golden Age, remains an iconic representation of Dutch culture to this day. The fine white earthenware, painted with distinctive blue decorations, has made its way into homes and museums all over the world over the centuries. Delft Blue Wall Plates are particularly beloved among these. Whether it depicts tulip fields, scenes from 17th century daily life, or portraits of figures such as Johannes Vermeer’s most famous girl, each Delft Blue wall plate is a work of art in itself. These wall plates are not only decorative objects, but also bearers of stories, history and craftsmanship. From the painters at Royal Delft to the artists at Heinen Delfts Blauw, the techniques and traditions of making these wall plates have been passed down from generation to generation. Whether you are a collector of Delft Blue, or someone looking for a unique decoration for your wall, a Delft Blue plate is a beautiful addition to any collection. Each plate is like a pearl, capturing the beauty and richness of Dutch culture.

The Golden Age of Delft Blue: History and Heritage

The Golden Age of Delft Blue dates back to the 17th century, an era of unprecedented prosperity and artistic flourishing in the Netherlands. This period, also known as the Golden Age, saw the Netherlands emerge as a world leader in trade, art and science. It was during this time that Delft Blue pottery first made its debut, in response to the huge popularity of blue and white Chinese porcelain. Through the trade routes to the Far East established by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), the Dutch were exposed to the exquisite Chinese porcelain. The high demand for this beautiful pottery in Europe and the subsequent disruption of supplies due to the Ming-Qing transition in China, led to Dutch potters starting to make their own version. The city of Delft quickly became the centre of this flourishing industry, with the Delft Blue style - the imitation of Chinese porcelain using tin-glazed pottery techniques - becoming hugely popular. The result was the iconic Delft Blue pottery, of which the wall plates were a particularly popular product, often painted with scenes from life in the Golden Age or images of tulips, another passion of the Dutch at the time. Delft Blue quickly became synonymous with the city and became a national symbol of Dutch culture and craftsmanship. Despite its decline in popularity in later centuries, a few factories, such as the world-famous Royal Delft, continued to keep the tradition alive. Today, Delft Blue, especially the historical pieces from the Age of Gold, is highly prized by collectors and museums around the world, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The Delft Blue wall plates remain a cherished heritage, capturing the glory of the Golden Age.

Types of Delft Blue Wall Plates

Delft Blue plates come in a rich variety of designs, themes and styles, encompassing both traditional and modern influences.

Traditional Designs

Traditional wall plate designs are often inspired by the landscapes, people and flora of the Netherlands. A prominent theme in many of these traditional designs is nature, especially flowers. Tulips, in particular, are a common motif, reflecting the Dutch love of these flowers. These plates often feature detailed paintings of tulips in various stages of bloom, sometimes complemented by other flowers or landscape scenes. Other traditional Delft Blue wall plates may feature scenes from everyday life, such as farmers working in the fields, sailing ships at sea or typical Dutch cityscapes. Many of these plates are also decorated with ornate borders and patterns, adding to their charm and beauty.

Modern Designs

While traditional Delft Blue wall plates evoke a sense of nostalgia and historical heritage, modern designs offer a fresh and contemporary take on this age-old craft. These plates often combine classic Delft Blue motifs with modern artistic styles and themes. For example, modern Delft Blue wall plates may feature abstract patterns and shapes, or new interpretations of traditional themes. Some innovative designs have also incorporated other tableware elements into the design of the wall plates, such as cups and saucers, for a unique and playful effect.

Our unique collection: From Heinen Delft Blue to Royal Delft

At Metalenplatenshop.nl we pride ourselves on our extensive and carefully curated collection of Delft Blue Wall Plates. Our collection includes pieces from both the established Royal Delft, known for its dedication to preserving traditional Delft Blue techniques, and the innovative Heinen Delft Blue, which combines traditional craftsmanship with modern designs.

Wall plaques with famous images

Our collection also includes a series of Delft Blue Wall Plates featuring some of the most famous images from Dutch art history. A striking example is Johannes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring". This iconic portrait, often described as the 'Mona Lisa of the North', has been beautifully transformed into a Delft Blue wall plate, capturing the subtlety of Vermeer's brushwork and the mystery of the girl with a pearl earring in the refined blue and white of Delft Blue.

Wall plates from the Rijksmuseum Collection

For lovers of Dutch art and history, we also offer a range of Delft Blue Wall Plates inspired by this. These plates feature reproductions of famous works of art and historical objects from the museum, beautifully rendered in Delft Blue. It is a unique way to bring a piece of Dutch art and history into your home. At Metalenplatenshop.nl, our mission is to provide you with the highest quality Delft Blue plates. Whether you are looking for a traditional floral design, a modern work of art or a plate with a famous image, you can be sure that you will find a Delft Blue wall plate that you will cherish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Delft Blue Plates

When choosing a Delft Blue wall plate, several questions may arise. Whether you are new to the world of Delft Blue or already an avid collector, we have listed the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Delft Blue wall plates for you.

How do I know if a Delft Blue plate is authentic?

Authenticity can be determined by several factors, including the quality of the pottery, the precision of the painting and the presence of a manufacturer's mark, such as Royal Delft or Heinen Delfts Blauw. At Metalenplatenshop.nl we guarantee the authenticity of all our Delft Blue plates.

How can I best maintain my Delft Blue plate?

Delft Blue pottery is both beautiful and fragile. It is best to keep your wall plate away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration. When cleaning, it is safest to use a soft cloth, without chemical cleaning agents.

What is the difference between Royal Delft and Heinen Delft Blue?

Both brands are respected makers of Delft Blue, but each has its own distinctive style. Royal Delft, founded in 1653, is the oldest existing producer of Delft Blue and is known for its traditional designs. Heinen Delft Blue, on the other hand, combines traditional techniques with modern design.

Is it possible to order a personalized Delft Blue plate?

At this time we do not offer personalized Delft Blue wall plates. However, we have a wide range of designs and styles in our collection and we are confident that you will find something that perfectly matches your taste.

Can I give a Delft Blue plate as a gift?

Absolutely! A Delft Blue plate is a beautiful and thoughtful gift that will last a lifetime. Whether it's for a birthday, anniversary or just to say "I'm thinking of you", a Delft Blue plate is a unique gift that the recipient will cherish. Plus, it's an inexpensive alternative for wall decoration.