Dutch ‘Gouda’ ceramics are known as ‘Plateel’ in the Netherlands. As early as 1700 many potteries were making simple wares in the city of ‘Gouda’ in the province South Holland. When Art Nouveau, or ‘Jugendstil’ became popular in Europe around 1885 a number of these potteries started making ceramics decorated in vivid colours inspired by natural forms. Plateel became fashion and thousands of household items were made and shipped to America and the European countries. Interesting is that a lot of Plateel factories used home workers to paint the decorations on their wares. Undecorated pottery was delivered to the homes of the workers and again picked up once the painting was done. Even today Plateel is made in Gouda in the traditional forms and colours.