Tile
Unknown Artist
probably 18th–19th century
Medium
Delftware (tin-glazed earthenware)
Dimensions
5 1/8 × 5 1/8 in. (13 × 13 cm)
Classification
Ceramics-Pottery
Culture
Dutch
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Fletcher Fund, 1927
Accession Number
27.199.28
Art Historical Context
This charming square tile, crafted in the Netherlands during the 18th or 19th century, the enduring tradition of Delftware—tin-glazed earthenware that brought affordable luxury to Dutch homes. Produced primarily in Delft, these tiles mimicked the prized blue-and-white porcelain imported from China, using a tin-opacified glaze to create a smooth, glossy surface ideal for vibrant decorations. At just over five inches square, this modest piece was likely part of a larger wall panel or fireplace surround, transforming everyday spaces into artistic statements. Delftware tiles held immense cultural...