- A history of 400 years of Dutch ceramics, from the famous Delft, past the colourful Maastricht pottery and the flamboyant Art Nouveau, to the latest Dutch design creations Blue Delft, Maastricht earthenware, Gouda pottery and Dutch Design: for centuries, ceramics from the Netherlands have enjoyed worldwide popularity. Imitation has been one key to success, but inventiveness and sensitivity to consumer demand have been still more important. Initially an imitation of Chinese porcelain, Dutch delftware became in the 17th century a popular export product in its own right. Petrus Regout brought English specialists to Maastricht to help him imitate the popular British creamware with its transfer-printed designs. From the mid-19th century, he was one of the greatest producers, serving a global market. Around 1900, Dutch designers developed their own variant of international art nouveau. Shown at the world's fairs of the period, their innovative 'vernieuwingsaardewerk' attracted lively interest outside the Netherlands. In today's Dutch Design, the marriage of traditional craft skills to the potential of new industrial technology generates inventive and playful designs. Products travel the world, but so do the designers and their conceptual approach. Made in Holland shows how the Netherlands has become a world player in the ceramics field. Text in English and Dutch.

Embark on a journey of exploration and cultural immersion with "Discovering the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Travel Guide." This expertly crafted guidebook is your key to unlocking the treasures of a country that seamlessly blends rich history, vibrant cities, and pristine natural landscapes. In this meticulously researched guide, readers will navigate the winding canals of Amsterdam, marvel at the modern architecture of Rotterdam, and bask in the royal elegance of The Hague. Each chapter unfolds a new chapter in the tapestry of Dutch culture, from the iconic tulip fields to the historic streets of Utrecht, providing a comprehensive overview of the Netherlands' diverse and captivating offerings. What Awaits You: Cultural Riches: Delve into the cultural heart of Amsterdam, explore the artistic wonders of Haarlem, and wander through the pottery and palaces of Delft. Uncover the royal elegance of The Hague and witness the culinary delights of Maastricht. Each city and region reveals a unique facet of Dutch heritage. Natural Beauty: Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the national parks, from the ancient woodlands of Hoge Veluwe to the water wonderland of Weerribben-Wieden. Discover the ecological significance of Oostvaardersplassen and witness the tapestry of forests and heathlands in Drents-Friese Wold. Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the diverse ecosystems that define the Dutch countryside. Modern Marvels: Marvel at the modern architecture of Rotterdam, where innovative design and urban planning create a cityscape that echoes the spirit of the future. From the iconic Erasmus Bridge to the bustling Markthal, Rotterdam is a testament to the Netherlands' commitment to embracing the contemporary. Tulip Season: Experience the breathtaking burst of color that heralds the arrival of tulip season. Journey through the tulip fields, from the meticulously landscaped gardens of Keukenhof to the sprawling countryside, and discover the cultural significance of tulips that goes beyond their ornamental beauty. Practical Guidance: Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide offers practical tips on navigating Dutch public transportation, understanding local customs, and savoring culinary delights. From bustling markets to charming cafes, "Discovering the Netherlands" provides insights to make your journey seamless and memorable. Expert Insight: Written in an expert tone, this guide combines historical narratives, cultural insights, and practical advice. Each chapter is crafted to provide a holistic understanding of the Netherlands, ensuring that readers not only visit its landmarks but also connect with the essence of Dutch life. "Discovering the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Travel Guide" is more than a guidebook; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the dynamic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities that define this enchanting country. Whether you seek historical landmarks, artistic masterpieces, or the tranquility of nature, let this guide be your companion on a journey of discovery through the heart of the Netherlands.

Embark on an enchanting journey through the heart of Europe with "Discovering Belgium: A Traveler's Guide," authored by the seasoned explorer William Jones. This meticulously crafted guide invites you to unlock the secrets of Belgium, a country where medieval charm coexists with vibrant modernity, and every cobblestone street tells a story. From the bustling streets of Brussels, the capital of contrasts, to the fairytale landscapes of Bruges, and the art havens of Antwerp, this guide is your passport to a kaleidoscope of experiences. Immerse yourself in the fusion of past and present in Ghent, explore the southern charms of Wallonia, and pay tribute to history in Flanders Fields. William Jones, your trusted travel companion, offers not only practical insights into navigating Belgium's cities and rural retreats but also a humanized perspective that captures the essence of each destination. With over 15 chapters, this guide seamlessly weaves together informative details, engaging narratives, and insider tips to ensure your journey is as enriching as it is enjoyable. Indulge your taste buds in the culinary delights of Belgium, savor the world-renowned chocolates and Trappist beers, and discover the art of living in a country that cherishes its cultural heritage. Practical tips for sustainable and responsible travel are seamlessly integrated, empowering you to explore while leaving a positive impact. "Discovering Belgium" is not just a guidebook; it's an invitation to craft your own narrative within the vibrant tapestry of Belgian landscapes, traditions, and flavors. Whether you're a solo adventurer, a cultural enthusiast, or a nature lover, this guide is your key to unlocking the treasures of a country where every moment is a chapter waiting to be explored. Let the pages of "Discovering Belgium" be your compass as you traverse medieval cities, lush countrysides, and engage with the warm hospitality that defines Belgium. Your journey begins here, and the stories you'll uncover will linger long after you've bid adieu to this captivating European gem. Embark on a transformative adventure, guided by the expertise of William Jones, and discover Belgium like never before. Your Belgian odyssey awaits! Note: The author, William Jones, is a seasoned traveler and cultural enthusiast, providing a personalized touch to the travel guide, making it an engaging and insightful companion for anyone exploring the wonders of Belgium.

In this critical darling Vermeer's captivating and enigmatic paintings become windows that reveal how daily life and thought-from Delft to Beijing--were transformed in the 17th century, when the world first became global. A Vermeer painting shows a military officer in a Dutch sitting room, talking to a laughing girl. In another canvas, fruit spills from a blue-and-white porcelain bowl. Familiar images that captivate us with their beauty--but as Timothy Brook shows us, these intimate pictures actually give us a remarkable view of an expanding world. The officer's dashing hat is made of beaver fur from North America, and it was beaver pelts from America that financed the voyages of explorers seeking routes to China-prized for the porcelains so often shown in Dutch paintings of this time, including Vermeer's. In this dazzling history, Timothy Brook uses Vermeer's works, and other contemporary images from Europe, Asia, and the Americas to trace the rapidly growing web of global trade, and the explosive, transforming, and sometimes destructive changes it wrought in the age when globalization really began.

On November 5, 1688, William of Orange, Protestant ruler of the Dutch Republic, landed at Torbay in Devon with a force of twenty thousand men. Five months later, William and his wife, Mary, were jointly crowned king and queen after forcing James II to abdicate. Yet why has history recorded this bloodless coup as an internal Glorious Revolution rather than what it truly was: a full-scale invasion and conquest by a foreign nation? The remarkable story of the relationship between two of Europe's most important colonial powers at the dawn of the modern age, Lisa Jardine's Going Dutch demonstrates through compelling new research in political and social history how Dutch tolerance, resourcefulness, and commercial acumen had effectively conquered Britain long before William and his English wife arrived in London.

Since the 1950s, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has presented Delft Blue miniature houses to its Business Class passengers. These replicas of historic houses and national monuments are considered to be iconic of the Netherlands worldwide. 'Little Kingdom by the Sea' offers an exclusive peek into the lives of the inhabitants of the KLM houses. 0These pioneers, bold adventurers and other colorful figures made their mark on Dutch history. Extensive research including interviews with architectural historians and current residents have yielded a wealth of new information, engaging anecdotes, unique and juicy stories.

The great age of European ceramic design began around 1500 and ended in the early 19th century with the introduction of large-scale production of ceramics. In this illustrated history, with nearly 300 color and black and white photos and reproductions, curator Howard Coutts considers the main stylistic trends�Renaissance, Mannerism, Oriental, Rococo, and Neoclassicism�as they were represented in such products as Italian Majolica, Dutch Delftware, Meissen and S�vres porcelain, Staffordshire, and Wedgwood pottery. He pays close attention to changes in eating habits over the period, particularly the layout of a formal dinner, and discusses the development of ceramics as room decoration, the transmission of images via prints, marketing of ceramics and other luxury goods, and the intellectual background to Neoclassicism.

During the seventeenth century, the Dutch Republic was transformed into a leading political power in Europe, with global trading interests. It nurtured some of the period's greatest luminaries, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, Descartes and Spinoza. Long celebrated for its religious tolerance, artistic innovation and economic modernity, the United Provinces of the Netherlands also became known for their involvement with slavery and military repression in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This Companion provides a compelling overview of the best scholarship on this much debated era, written by a wide range of experts in the field. Unique in its balanced treatment of global, political, socio-economic, literary, artistic, religious, and intellectual history, its nineteen chapters offer an indispensable guide for anyone interested in the world of the Dutch Golden Age.

In The Dutch Language in Japan (1600-1900) Christopher Joby offers the first book-length account of the knowledge and use of the Dutch language in Tokugawa and early Meiji Japan, which had a profound effect on Japan’s language, society and culture.