Brussels earthenware

The 350 pieces of earthenware kept by the museum provide a detailed overview of Brussels design. It reached its peak in the 18th century, although it has existed since the 16th century.

This plate of 1705 signed by Cornelis Mombaers and Dierick Witsemburg is one of the oldest pieces in our collection. Witsemburg ran the De Witte Ster factory in Delft, famous for its blue patterned earthenware. At the beginning of the 18th century, he founded a new workshop on the Rue de Laeken with Cornelis Mombaers. It soon became the most important in Brussels.

Brussels stands out from other European production centres owing to its traditional copper-green decor, often associated with olive green. Butterflies, caterpillars and small figures adorn the pieces. But our major pieces are of course these imposing soup tureens styled in the shape of duck, fish or cabbage.

Rue de Laeken Factory, Saint Michael plate, 1705 © Racine_Martens