Delft is renowned for its blue-and-white earthenware, which flourished in the 17th century (Figure 1). Few documented recipes for producing this type of ceramic have survived, as much of the knowledge was safeguarded and transmitted orally. The earliest comprehensive written account of Delft pottery production is Gerrit Paape’s 1794 book. Although earlier references to Delft recipes exist, they are incomplete and lack the depth of Paape’s work.
Potters in the 17th century obtained their raw materials through various channels. While clay traders are well
documented, information on local suppliers of glazes and colouring agents remains limited.2 Clay and marl (a calcium-rich dry clay) were transported by small ships from domestic and foreign sources, including England, Germany and the southern Netherlands. However, other materials were bought from specialised merchants and pharmacies. Evidence for this is found in Delft’s municipal archive, where two early 17th-century invoices list pottery materials purchased from a pharmacy. These records provide unique insight into the business operations of two Delft potters during a period of significant growth in the ceramics industry.