Pair of plates 1782 - 1800

These two plates, of earthenware with tin glaze, were made in Delft, in the Netherlands. Delftware like this, was produced from the 16th to the 18th century, and frequently imitated Chinese porcelain. Here, we can see a floral design with some Chinese influence. The plates’ function would have been primarily decorative, displayed on a wall or a mantlepiece as a sign of wealth. By the 17th century, Delftware became an important industry, employing a large percentage of the population of that city. The industry was very tightly controlled. The guild system regulated who could produce what, and where. Although this enabled quality control, it restricted artistic innovation. These plates are a good example of the kind of attractive but repetitive designs that this system fostered. Understanding how the guild system worked, and the conditions of production for Delftware, helps us to understand its artistic qualities. We can access these conditions today through the archives of the Delft city council and the records of the Delft potters' guild.