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How to Identify Antique Dutch Tiles

Learning the history of the Dutch tile-making tradition centered in the town Delft is necessary for identifying authentic tiles and is part of the enjoyment of collecting. Antique Dutch tiles were produced from the late 16th century through the late 19th century and were distributed throughout the world. They were produced in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles. Knowing what colors were used, the properties of the glaze, and images depicted can help you begin to collect authentic antique Dutch tiles.

Things You'll Need

Art books
Art catalogs

Instructions

Instructions
- 1
  Learn the chronology of the trends in colors and images used by Dutch tile makers to help you verify the dates of the tiles. Do not reject a tile because it is not blue and white. Dutch potters used yellow, purple, red, green and black in addition to blue and white.
- 2
  Look at the tile for signs of age. You should find signs of use such as smoke singeing, mortar remnants and wear.
- 3
  Look at the tile for markings indicating the company and country of manufacture. English Delft can be confused for Dutch. Or it may be a fake. Catalogs containing descriptions of the makers' marks will help you.
- 4
  Feel the weight of the tile. It should be thicker and heavier than a modern tile.
- 5
  Study the glaze on the tile. An antique Dutch tile should be lustrous and have a depth to the white glaze. Dutch tiles do not have a pinkish or bluish tinge to the glaze.
- 6
  Know the themes painted on the tiles. These were scenes of daily life such as people working, children playing, and people in different occupations including soldiers, sailors or millers. Scenes of ships and biblical stories appear as well. Flowers, fruit, and landscapes were used. The painting we be well-executed.

Antiques