104. Dutch Ceramic Tilesdetails

Dutch faience shows a distinct Japanese influence because of the trade connections between Holland and Japan in the 17th century. The Dutch East India Company, founded in 1602, had promoted trade with East Asia so successfully that in 1640 Japan expelled the Spanish and Portugese traders and gave the Dutch th emonopoly in trading with Europe.

The Dutch faience industry began with the formation of a guild in Delft in 1611. The most important members were Hendrick Gerritoz and Hermann Pietersz, who consequently can be considered the founders of this industry in Deltf.

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At the beginning of the 18th century Delft faience manufacture underwent a transformation. Until then faience had been expensive and within the reach of only wealthy people. Probably because of over-production, competitoin between manufactures became very intense and forced prices down. (p. 55)