The Dutch city of Gouda is often associated with its food legacy, being the birthplace of national delicacies including Gouda cheese and stroopwafels; however, the southern city has also played an important role in the nation's cultural heritage, manufacturing fine pottery since the 17th century. A number of factories emerged producing pottery in what is now called 'Gouda' style, including Zenith and Plateelbakkerij Zuid-Holland. Eventually, the term 'Gouda' came to describe the style rather than the location of the ceramic item's production. Gouda pottery became particularly popular during the 20th century, featuring brightly-coloured, floral designs inspired by the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements; these pieces were also commonly produced with a matte glaze. Typical items such as vases, cups and plates were manufactured, as well as figurines, smoking pipes and ashtrays. Although the common interest in Gouda pottery has dwindled over the years with the decline in production, original pieces from the 20th century and earlier remain highly sought-after on the collector's market.
Throughout Holland, the work of artist Ad Dekkers has become a permanent part of the country's landscape, with his geometric sculptures residing in Amsterdam, Gouda and Gorinchem.
