The appearance of oriental porcelain in 1604 and its dispersal by auction in Amsterdam stimulated a traffic in porcelain and set off an industry of domestic imitations. Inspection of these Dutch optical illusions reveals a number of divergences apart from the one of certain shapes uknown in the Orient -- -- tin glazed earthware substituted for hard paste porcelain, irregular control of blue and white tones, uneveness of glaze and painting, overcontrasting outline drawings and the Dutch potter's own mark. However, the Dutch potters sub jective feel for their work ensured their wares from being mechanial repetitions or forgeries -- -- several European attempts to stimulate oriental porcelain are illustrated. -- AATA