The techniques of majolica, a tin based glaze, came to Italy through
Spain, sometime between the 11th and 13th century, from
the Balearic Island of Mojorca, off the coast of Spain hence its name, to Spain
from the Moors from North Africa and the Middle-East, and into Italy, the
process dates back to about the ninth-century A.D. in Mesopotamia. Archeologists
are still unearthing pottery glazed in Majolica today.
It
has many names in many countries
Maiolica
Majolica, Faience,
Delftware
Italians imported this ware from the Spanish port of Majorca, calling it
majolica ware. When the French imported it from Faenza, they called it faience.
When the Dutch became proficient with these techniques and exported quantities
of ware from Delft, it was called Delftware.
Majolica is a technique where a decoration of
oxides & minerals are
painted over earthenware, terra cotta, or stoneware clay. The white clay
forms a 'canvas' or background for the colored decoration. The piece is then
fired to earthenware temperature of about 1000* Celsius or 1820* Fahrenheit.
Care for your Majolica
Use a damp clean cloth to dust, if needed an nonabrasive dish soap.
What to expect
I hear something…
Your work of art was just completed and it will go through some changes as
time goes on. You’ll hear what is known as a “tinging” this is the natural
process of Majolica it is as if it is singing to us that it is settling onto its
new home. Over time it will begin to look much like your great grandmothers
majolica with beautiful light lines moving through the piece. Some Majolica
pieces will have pin hole dots or bubbles, again this is natural for majolica,
this is what Majolica is known for and appreciated for, for thousands of years.