What Is Majolica Glaze?

Majolica glazes are fired onto clay at low temperatures.

The majolica glaze pottery technique produces elaborately decorated, highly glossy products. Popular with collectors, 19th century majolica plates, jars, pitchers and tiles that are authentic and flawless can sell for hundreds of dollars apiece.

Technique

According to Pottery Magic, the uniqueness of majolica is that the white glaze base and colors applied on top fuse together during firing.

History

The Gutenberg School of Scribes believes that Persian potters developed the glaze technique as early as the 10th century. Many potters migrated to Majorca, a Spanish island, where the artwork became known as majolica. Unlike the freestyle designs of majolica from Spain, Italian pieces, referred to as maiolica, are famous for their precise patterns.

Original Colors

Originally, majolica glazes were made from tin, iron, gold, silver, cobalt and other minerals.

Modern Colors

The majolica glaze technique is still used today; however, modern colors are made from safer, less expensive materials than the metals once used.

Collecting

Marks on the underside of majolica ceramics are coded symbols denoting the production date and manufacturer.

References

• Wedgwood Majolia Leaf and Fruit Plate
• Pottery magic: Pottery and Ceramics Glaze, Majolica Method
• Gutenberg School of Scribes: Introduction Maiolica-History

Resources

• Majolica Dream
• Majolica Glazes