Understanding Dutch tin-glazed tiles (1600-1750) through the interpretation of texts, analysis and recipe reconstruction

The production of tin-glazed tiles represents a significant chapter in Dutch ceramic history. This dissertation provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques, raw materials, and recipes used to produce Dutch tin-glazed tiles in the Northern Netherlands between 1600 and 1750 and considers how changes in production during the period may have influenced their physical and chemical characteristics. The research involved the analysis of historical written sources, the physicochemical analysis of historical tiles, and the interpretation and reconstruction of historical clay and glaze recipes.
A set of 44 tiles from three production centres (Rotterdam, Harlingen, and Utrecht) were studied and analysed using light microscopy, colour spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical composition of the tiles was compared with calculations of the composition of the historical recipes. This, together with the reconstruction of historical recipes, made it possible to critically assess the interpretation as well as determine the influence of specific materials and techniques involved in the production of Dutch tin-glazed tiles. Certain variations in the composition and production were seen to influence the physical and chemical characteristics of the tiles produced, notably with relation to the imported calcium-rich marl and fluxes in the glaze.
The information acquired aids the interpretation of data obtained during the analysis of tin glaze as well as providing a base on which to develop further research that will improve our understanding of the relationship between the physical and chemical features of Dutch tiles and their susceptibility for damage both during and after production.