"Early in the 17th century, a period of flourishing began for the Delft earthenware industry. It lasted for more than a hundred and fifty years, and was rich in innovation and experiment. Ceramics are thriving again today. A growing vanguard of makers in the Netherlands choose to work with clay and are taking a closer look at the age-old craft and its significance. The publication Pioneering Ceramics establishes connections between pioneering makers then and now. This brings to light surprising similarities, but telling differences, too. For while the basic formula for ceramics has remained largely the same through centuries, the world to which makers are responding has changed profoundly. Exhibition: Museum Prinsenhof, Delft ,The Netherlands (16.02. - 08.09.2024)." -- Back cover