During the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, the Netherlands experienced a period of rapid economic growth that took establishment and control over global trade routes.

Holland's merchants began to bring back an array of exotic plants and new commodities that stimulated innovation in both art and science. As the economy boomed, more people were able to purchase art to decorate their homes. Art from this period included paintings, prints and painted ceramics.

Colourful, tin-glazed, wall tiles were already popular adornments for people's houses, but with the introduction of imported Chinese porcelain, blue and white tiles came into circulation around the 1620s.

The wall tile with a three headed tulip design in our collection was salvaged from a house that was going to be demolished and dates between 1630-60. Although today considered Holland's national flower, tulips are actually not native to the country but originate from Kazakhstan. The flowers were brought over from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and quickly became a sought-after symbol of wealth and luxury. Thus it is no surprise that the tulip appears in many works of art from this period.