Delft Blue
Blue on white, for almost four centuries: Delft Blue is perhaps the best-known piece of the Netherlands you can bring into your home. In this category you'll find hundreds of Delft Blue items, from vases, wall plates and tiles to tableware, cheese boards, canal houses and, of course, the famous kissing couple. Looking for a small souvenir, a hand-painted showpiece or a commemorative plate with your own text? This is the place to start.
Buy Delft Blue: a piece of Dutch heritage for your home
In the seventeenth century, the ships of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) brought precious porcelain from China back to the Dutch Republic. Everyone wanted it, but few could afford it. When supplies dried up, the potters of Delft stepped in. They covered their earthenware in a white tin glaze and painted it with cobalt blue, so that it resembled porcelain. It was a huge success: at its peak, Delft was home to dozens of potteries, and their work travelled all over the world.
The Chinese designs soon made way for typically Dutch scenes: windmills, sailing ships, flowers, landscapes and canal houses. You'll still recognise those motifs on Delft Blue today. A fun detail: before firing, the cobalt paint looks almost black. Only in the kiln does it take on its famous deep blue colour.
De Holland Winkel has been selling Dutch souvenirs and gifts since 2002. Delftware is one of our largest collections, ranging from affordable travel souvenirs to more luxurious, hand-painted pieces for the true collector.
What's in our Delft Blue collection?
Vases, plates and tiles
The Delftware classics. Choose from Delft Blue vases and tulip vases, wall plates, individual Delft Blue tiles or a complete tile tableau.
Souvenirs and figurines
The kissing couple, canal houses, ornaments and figurines and money boxes and music boxes. Small, recognisable and easy to pack.
Tableware and tea time
Set a Dutch table with Delft Blue dinnerware, cups and mugs, tea and coffee pots and matching creamer sets.
Kitchen and drinks
Practical and pretty: cheese boards, salt and pepper shakers, serving dishes and trays, storage jars and sturdy beer mugs.
Candlelight and Christmas
Create a cosy atmosphere with candle holders and tea light holders. During the festive season, our Delft Blue Christmas decorations, with baubles, little windmills and angels, are a firm favourite.
Personalised plates
Mark a special moment with a Delft Blue commemorative plate featuring your own text. A popular gift for a birth, wedding or anniversary, and often a keepsake that is passed down through the family.
An authentic Delft Blue gift for every occasion
Delft Blue suits almost any occasion. It's timeless, unmistakably Dutch and there's something for every budget. Whether you're looking for a small token for friends abroad or a lasting reminder of a special day, blue and white never goes wrong.
- ✓For visitors to the Netherlands: the most recognisable Dutch souvenir, from a tiny kissing couple to a vase for your suitcase.
- ✓For Dutch expats: a Delft Blue mug or tile is a daily piece of home, wherever you live.
- ✓For birthdays and housewarmings: a vase, candle holder or teapot always goes down well.
- ✓For births and weddings: a commemorative plate with names and a date often becomes a family heirloom.
- ✓For businesses: Delftware makes a stylish corporate gift for international partners and guests.
Frequently asked questions about Delft Blue
Is all your Delft Blue hand-painted? +
No, and that's a deliberate choice. We offer hand-painted pieces for those who appreciate true craftsmanship, as well as affordable souvenirs with a printed decoration in the traditional Delft Blue style. That way there's something beautiful for every budget. Unsure about a particular item? Just email us at info@hollandwinkel.nl.
Can I order a Delft Blue plate with my own text? +
Yes. In our Delft Blue commemorative plates category you'll find plates that we personalise with your own text. They're popular as birth plates, wedding plates and anniversary plates.
Do you ship Delft Blue abroad? +
Certainly. We ship within the Netherlands and worldwide, so you can send a Delft Blue gift straight to family or friends abroad. We'll add a free card with your personal message. Want to make it extra special? Choose one of our gift wrapping options.
How do I look after Delft Blue? +
Decorative pieces such as vases, plates and figurines are best cleaned with a soft, damp cloth. Using Delft Blue tableware or mugs every day? Check the product description to see whether the item is dishwasher safe. If in doubt, washing by hand is always the safest option.
Can I order Delft Blue in larger quantities as a corporate gift? +
Yes, you can. Visit our B2B page or email info@hollandwinkel.nl. We're happy to help you find a fitting Dutch gift.
Discover more blue and white
Delft Blue isn't just about ceramics. Our online shop has thousands of Dutch souvenirs and gifts, including Delft Blue jewellery, modern tableware and everything featuring the iconic kissing couple.