The History of Blue and White - Authentic USA Produced Delft
Are you attracted to a specific color?
I am fascinated by one color which did not lose its appeal to many countries and cultures for centuries! Guess what color it is?
Blue. The color that affected countries, cultures and economies.
A part of Chinese blue and white ware I have been collecting through my thrifting.
Hand-painted homeware with gorgeous patterns in mesmerizing blue tones of morning skies and ocean waves have been highly sought for around the world for centuries! Blue on white has left its mark on the art world. It is said that the blue and white practice had a partial religious component as the Mongols recognized their ancestors as the blue wolf and white doe. Some also say the blue color symbolizes heaven while white means purity.
Original Delft ware from Netherlands avilable at the De Klomp Factory, Holland, Michigan
As an immigrant from the collapsed Soviet Union, and deeply interested in cultures, I feel so thrilled to land right on one of those destinations, where deep traditions have been kept alive! And that is Holland Michigan with its signature ceramics, gorgeous Delft!
Delf Ware in process at the DeKlomp Wooden Show and Delft Factory at the Veldheer Tulip Gardens, Holland, Michigan
Let’s dive into the intriguing history of Delft, shall we?
It is said that this color was first introduced to China during the Tang dynasty (618-907- can you believe it?!) and originated from cobalt ores imported from Persia. These ores were scarce and only used in limited quantities, making any ceramics painted with cobalt highly sought after and often used for diplomatic gifts or special occasions.
Artist Alla Dickson creating blue designs for her company products for the 2025 Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan
Then, with the development of the Silk Road, blue-and-white porcelain was traded in the Near East and Southeast Asia. And here I would like to add that this Silk Road went through Tyumen region of Siberia where I lived for 30 years!
In the 16th century, King Manuel I of Portugal gifted blue-and-white porcelain to other European courts, making it exotic and highly coveted. The arrival of Chinese porcelain triggered European potters to produce imitations of this unique product since the seventeenth century. However, the secret of white porcelain China kept for as long as possible.
Delf ware imported from Netherland available at the DeKlomp Factory, Holland, Michigan
Islamic blue and white pottery appeared in Syria and Egypt in 13th century, Turkey in 15th, Japan-16th. British developed blue and white 'Willow Pattern' tableware in18th century. Russian region of Gzhel, located not far away from Moscow and rich in clay, started to produce blue and white porcelain in the 19th century. American potters began producing Blue Willow in 1905 when the Buffalo Pottery Company issued the pattern here in the States.
As for the Dutch, they were immediately captivated and impressed by the attention to detail and perfect workmanship by Chinese masters. The style originated around 1600 in the city of Delft. The manufacturing of Delftware became a major industry, with products exported all over Europe. The Delft factory has been working without interruptions since 1653! Extraordinary, isn’t it?
Authentic Delft ware produced at the DeKlomp Factory, Holland, Michigan
Here in Holland, Michigan, you can buy authentic Delft primarily in two locations, quite remarkably both are family businesses for four generations, Nelis and Veldheer families. I deeply admire them!
The Veldheers Tulip Gardens operates the only in the USA authentic Delft ware factory, DeKlompt Delft Factory, where you can watch the entire process from the molds, to firing to painting! And it always warms my heart to frequently stop by there and talk with the Veldheer family, all three generations tulips growers, and their artists Deb and Tua.
Veldheer Tulip Garden artist Tua continues tradition of authentic Delft painting.
As an immigrant, I understand the incredible value in keeping our cultural traditions alive and trying to educate our children and grandchildren the folk art of our native lands.
Remembering who we and where our roots come from is certainly a part of the ART of living with JOY.
Artist Alla Dickson in her Holland, Michigan, studio
Veldheer Tulip Gardens |DeKlomp & Wooden Shoe Factory
The Delft Factory is unique in that it produces authentic blue and white Delftware on-site, hand-painted by skilled artisans. Visitors can tour the factory to observe the creation process and purchase items directly. You can purchase items made on site and Netherlands imported Delft.
Address: 12755 Quincy St, Holland, MI 49424
Phone: 616-399-1900
Hours: Store hours vary, see www.veldheer.com
See what’s in store Here.
Nelis’ Dutch Village
Address: 12350 James St. Holland, MI 49424
Phone: (616) 396-1475
