Plate c. 1700

This ceramic plate was made by the Grieksche A Factory, which operated in Delft between 1657 and 1818. Delftware is a type of tin-glazed earthenware that imitates Chinese porcelain. The process begins with shaping the clay, bisque firing, glazing with a white tin enamel, and then hand-painting the blue decoration. The plate's smooth, bright surface results from the glaze, while the cobalt-blue decoration is applied with skilled brushwork. The dragon and floral motifs are characteristic of Chinese export porcelain, reflecting the global trade networks of the time. The Grieksche A Factory specialized in producing affordable, mass-produced ceramics for a growing market. By examining this plate, we can appreciate the transfer of skills and techniques across cultures, as well as the economic forces that drove the production of decorative arts. It is a testament to the artistry of Delftware manufacturers and to the broader phenomenon of cultural exchange.