‘Lucky Rabbit - A celebration of Chinese New Year’ showcases the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year and the Chinese Zodiac, through a rich visual narrative of colour and pattern, history and legend. Curated by Artist Chris Chun.

My new painting from my 'Into The Blue' Collection is called 'The Delft Brothers' and is now available online.

Inspired by the iconic Delftware from the Netherlands, my sea horses reflect the fascinating history of Delftware and the influence of Chinese Porcelain on the earthenware industry of Holland.

I've also included a brief history of Delftware...keep on reading below....

Discover the 'Into The Blue' Collection

The History of Delftware

The origins of the iconic Delftware from the Netherlands shares its history with Chinese porcelain, dating back to the late 16th Century. 

These exquisitely patterned, translucent creations from Jingdezhen first started to appear in Europe, and were highly sought after by the aristocracy and elite but only wealthy people could afford to buy them. 

Before long, the potters from the City of Delft came up with a more cost-effective alternative: Hollants porceleyn (Dutch porcelain). Hollants porceleyn is in fact no porcelain at all. That is because porcelain requires china clay, also called kaolin, which is not found in the Netherlands. 

Although Delftware was created as a cheaper alternative to Chinese porcelain, the ceramics produced were still the finest in Europe. Elites from across the continent, including the Sun King himself, Louis XIV, would order pieces.

Delftware fell out of favour in the 18th Century when ceramicists in Meissen discovered the secret of porcelain, and English creamware became the choice for everyday use.

However it began to return to popularity in the late 19th Century when antique collecting saw Dutch 17th Century style very much in vogue. Intriguingly, this may have been the first time when it was seen as a typically Dutch product rather than a Chinese imitation.

 Resources: BBC, Delfts Aardewerk, Kunstmuseum

PS. If you love blue and white....