The Paauw Blauw Collection
The Peacock: A Symbol of Elegance and Tradition
The graceful peacock is known for its stunning tail feathers, making it no surprise that this Asian ornamental bird appears on some of the oldest blue-and-white ceramics. The Paauw Blauw collection is an elegant tableware set that symbolizes the evolution of Delft blue pottery, from luxurious decorative objects in the Chinese emperor’s palace, to repurposed beer factories in Delft, and finally to modern tableware in Dutch homes. The peacock also holds special significance as the symbol of Heinen Delfts Blauw’s former factory, "De Paauw." Established in 1651, it was one of the few potteries to continue the tradition of fully hand-painted Delftware into the 21st century. This peacock-inspired tableware collection is a tribute to the remarkable journey that Delft blue ceramics have taken through the ages.
A Journey from the Far East to Europe
Just as Delft blue porcelain originated in the Far East, so too did the peacock. The earliest known ornamental bird from Sri Lanka arrived in Europe over four thousand years ago. These majestic peacocks were kept as pets and quickly became status symbols due to their magnificent tail feathers. In the Chinese Empire, a peacock feather worn on a hat signified high distinction, while in the Netherlands, the Dukes of Gelderland received white peacock feathers for their helmets from Staverden Castle, also known as the "Peacock Castle." This connection with the oldest blue-and-white tableware decorations from Asia serves as part of the inspiration behind this new tableware collection by Heinen Delfts Blauw. Decorated with elegant peacocks in radiant Delft blue tones, this collection reflects the admiration the Chinese emperor had for similar designs centuries ago.
De Paauw: Honoring a Historic Delft Blue Factory
The peacock holds yet another special meaning for Heinen Delfts Blauw. This peacock-themed tableware is also a tribute to the former Delft blue factory in Delft, known as "De Paauw." The factory was named after the original pottery established in 1651 under the name "De Delftse Paauw," one of the few factories to continue the tradition of fully hand-painted Delftware into the 21st century. Sadly, the factory did not survive the COVID-19 crisis. With this elegant peacock tableware, we aim to make the extraordinary history of Delft blue ceramics tangible — from the private quarters of the Chinese emperor to modern Dutch dining tables.