Majolica

Majolica is a kind of tin glazed ceramic earthenware which originated in the Middle East. The original majolica arose in Baghdad in the ninth century. These simple pieces were basic white striped vessels. Two centuries later, Islamic pottery found its way into the Christian nations. (Historians believe that Christian crusaders brought the pottery back to their nations to celebrate victories.)Majolica came to Italy by way of Spain. The island of Majorica in Spain became a hub of trade between the two nations. Moor-controlled Spain maintained excellent trade relationships with Italy. Between 1200 and 1400, Tuscany artisans imported a lot of wares from Spain. Both countries produced essentially identical forms of pottery at this time.Italian artisans, particularly those who lived in the cities of Venice and Urbino, picked up the trade and produced 'high viscosity' tin glazed pieces. Production of majolica followed regional guidelines. First, pieces would be molded out of clay and kilned at a relatively low temperature. Then, the pieces would be covered with tin oxide glaze. (Early majolica pieces contained lead-based glazes.)Finally, artisans painted their decorations and designs and then applied a second kilning of approximately 1,400° F. 'Majolica' refers to this historical process, not necessarily a type of pattern. The Urbino style of earthenware craft featured ornate depictions of monsters, garlands, and whimsical creatures, whereas the Faenza style featured much more spare designs.