Is Delft Blue still painted by hand today?

Delft Blue is still painted by hand today by skilled ceramic artists in the Netherlands. Royal Delft, the last remaining original Delftware factory from the 17th century, continues the tradition in Delft. Artists use fine brushes and cobalt oxide paint on white glazed pottery. After firing in a kiln at temperatures above 1,000 degrees Celsius, the grey paint turns bright blue. The painting process can take several hours for one vase or plate, especially larger decorative pieces. Royal Delft employs trained painters who study traditional techniques for years before working on expensive items. Some detailed Delft Blue vases can cost more than €5,000. Hand-painted marks on the base help collectors identify genuine pieces. Factory tours in Delft attract thousands of visitors every year who want to watch painters working on pottery by hand.