In the ceramics section of the Rijksmuseum, I wasn’t expecting anything with a political angle. But there it was – a Delftware bust of William III, sitting on a shelf. Slightly amusing, slightly odd. One of those objects that’s easy to overlook, but somehow stays with you. And it made me curious about the history and usefulness of Dutch Delftware – beyond decoration.

William III Delftware bust in Rijksmuseum | 威廉三世代尔夫特陶瓷半身像在国立博物馆

The Netherlands is famous for its ceramics, so it’s no surprise that a visit to the Rijksmuseum leads to a room filled with beautiful examples of this art form, many of which hold significant historical value. Among the photos I took, one features a ceramic bust of a man, who turns out to be King-Stadtholder William III of Orange. When I visit museums, I seldom read all the labels next to the objects. Taking many photos and later researching them online allows me to explore the artefacts I saw more thoroughly. This way I get a stronger impression of the places I visited.

In the display glass case, William III of Orange is shown alongside that of his wife, Queen Mary II of England, Scotland, and Ireland, about whom I wrote a few weeks ago, showcasing another bust of her that is exhibited in the same room as the ceramics. The placement of hers there is no coincidence – Queen Mary II was known for her love of the Dutch ceramics – the tin-glazed earthenware known as Delftware. During her lifetime in the 17th century, Delft in the Netherlands was a renowned centre for the production of this type of ceramic, which became highly popular across Europe. Interestingly, the ceramic busts of the royal couple, although placed next to each other, were produced by two different Delftware manufacturers, as indicated by information from the Rijksmuseum.

William III Delftware bust in Rijksmuseum

William III Delftware bust in Rijksmuseum, portreys the Stadtholder of several Dutch provinces, who lived in the second half of the 17th century. He played a crucial role in defending the Netherlands against French invasions during the Franco-Dutch War. In 1677, William III married Mary Stuart, the daughter of James II of England, a union that would later have significant political implications. In 1688, William III was invited by English nobles to overthrow his Catholic father-in-law, James II, in an effort to ensure that England remained a Protestant country. His successful invasion led to the joint monarchy of William III and Mary II in England, marking the beginning of a constitutional monarchy where the powers of the crown were limited by Parliament.

William III Delftware bust in Rijksmuseum stands as a testament not only to the historical significance of the monarch but also to the rich tradition of Dutch ceramics. Delftware, the tin-glazed earthenware produced in Delft, gained widespread acclaim across Europe for its quality and artistic value. The bust is attributed to the renowned Delft pottery factory De Metaale Pot. De Metaale Pot was known for its high-quality ceramics and artistic achievements. The factory became particularly famous for its ability to produce large, sculptural earthenware pieces, a feat made possible by employing a skilled French modeller.

The production of porcelain, or more specifically tin-glazed earthenware known as Delftware, in the Netherlands began to flourish in the 17th century during the Dutch Golden Age. Initially, the Dutch East India Company imported Chinese porcelain on a large scale, which was highly popular in Europe. European artisans, particularly those in Delft, aimed to replicate its appearance. However, due to the lack of suitable raw materials and technology, European ceramicists had to rely on tin-glazing – a technique that, interestingly, originated in the Middle East and was introduced to Europe through Spain and Portugal several centuries earlier. When the supply of Chinese porcelain was interrupted due to internal issues in China, Dutch craftsmen saw an opportunity to produce similar items locally on a large scale. Delft became the main centre of ceramic production in the Netherlands.

Previously known for its beer production, Delft saw a shift to ceramics as the brewing industry declined. Craftsmen in Delft developed a method that allowed them to create wares that resembled Chinese porcelain but were actually made from clay coated with tin glaze, giving them their characteristic white colour. Unlike Chinese porcelain, which is made from a special fine clay (kaolin) and fired at very high temperatures to create a hard, translucent material, European faience (such as Delftware) is made from a coarser clay and is fired at lower temperatures. This results in a more porous material that is then covered with a tin glaze to achieve the desired white, opaque finish. Delftware became popular for its quality and aesthetics, as well as for the ability to decorate the items with blue patterns that imitated Chinese porcelain. The ceramic industry in Delft thrived, and at its peak in the 17th century, the city was home to about 30 ceramic factories.

Among the most important Delftware producers in the 17th century were De Metaale Pot, which, under the leadership of Lambertus van Eenhoorn, became one of the most prominent factories in Delft, known for its innovation and production of large ceramic sculptures, such as busts and vases. Another notable producer was De Grieksche A, which was known for producing high-quality ceramics and was a favourite supplier of Queen Mary II. De Grieksche A specialised in more elegant and artistic forms, which attracted wealthy clients. Lastly, De Porceleyne Fles, is one of the most famous Delftware producers and, remarkably, the only factory from the 17th century that has survived to this day and continues to produce Delftware.

Other Delftware artefacts on display in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Delftware is still produced today, although on a smaller scale than in the 17th century. De Porceleyne Fles (now Royal Delft) remains active and continues to produce traditional Delftware using the same techniques that were employed during the golden age of Dutch ceramics. While Delftware is now produced in other parts of the world, often as tourist souvenirs, authentic Delftware from Delft is still highly valued for its artistic and historical significance.