"
Mr. Croyden bent forward and tossed a small log upon the fire.
"This fact revolutionized daily living throughout Europe. Up to this
time you must remember the common people everywhere were using square
pieces of tile or wood for plates, and were eating from wooden bowls
or hollowed out slabs of wood called trenchers. The more well-to-do
used pewter, and kings and queens dined from dishes of silver. There
was, it is true, some earthenware made in Saxony and France, but as it
was of a finer and more expensive quality than Delft ordinary persons
could not afford to buy it.
"At the time the Dutch began importing their Delft ware into England
Henry IV was on the throne; so you see how long ago all this
happened."
Mr. Croyden smiled mischievously.
"I suppose you have that date at your tongue's end," he added.
"I think it was about 1400," ventured Theo thoughtfully.
"Bravo! I had no idea you would remember it. Henry IV reigned from
1399 to 1413, so you see you are nearly right. As Delft ware began to
be manufactured in 1310 the art was pretty well developed by this
time, and much beautiful pottery was being made. Some of the best
Dutch painters were trying their hand at its decoration, and in the
Museums of the Hague there are old Delft pieces painted by many of
these famous artists.
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