Tile

Unknown Artist

18th century

Tile by Unknown Artist

Medium

Tin-glazed earthenware

Dimensions

5 × 5 in. (12.7 × 12.7 cm)

Classification

Ceramics-Pottery

Culture

Dutch

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Gift of W. R. Valentiner, 1908

Accession Number

08.196.100

Art Historical Context

This charming 18th-century Dutch, crafted from tin-glazed earthen, exemplifies the exquisite ceramics produced in the Netherlands during the height of Delftware manufacturing. Measuring a modest 5 × 5 inches, its square format was ideal for creating expansive wall panels or fireplace surrounds in prosperous homes. The tin-glaze technique—where a tin oxide coating creates an opaque white surface for vibrant painted designs before a final firing—allowed artisans to mimic the luxury of Chinese porcelain at a more accessible price, fueling widespread popularity across Europe. In Dutch culture, su...

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