Majolica Origins
In honor of securing my first ever shipment from Italy, here's a little background on Italian ceramics...
Most of what we know today of Italian ceramics is called majolica (or maiolica in Italian). The process was created in the 6th century by the Arabs, who discovered that glazing ceramics with a mineral oxide mixture made them impervious to water once fired. Once decorated and fired again, this process produced beautiful, smooth pieces, similar to porcelain.
As the Arabs moved westward, majolica followed. It got its name from the misconception that it originated on the Spanish island of Majorca. Actually, the ceramics was only shipped through the port of Majorca on its way west.
Majolica making in Italy dates to the 13th century, when it was meant to be primarily utilitarian and was decorated with abstract and geometric patterns. In the 15th century, the patterns started depicting people and animals and by the 16th century, it also became popular to have dinnerware designed with the family crest.
Today's majolica continues to be made and decorated by hand, making each piece a unique work of art. Here's a small sampling of the majolica that I'll be receiving in the next 5-6 weeks. I cannot wait!
Most of what we know today of Italian ceramics is called majolica (or maiolica in Italian). The process was created in the 6th century by the Arabs, who discovered that glazing ceramics with a mineral oxide mixture made them impervious to water once fired. Once decorated and fired again, this process produced beautiful, smooth pieces, similar to porcelain.
As the Arabs moved westward, majolica followed. It got its name from the misconception that it originated on the Spanish island of Majorca. Actually, the ceramics was only shipped through the port of Majorca on its way west.
Majolica making in Italy dates to the 13th century, when it was meant to be primarily utilitarian and was decorated with abstract and geometric patterns. In the 15th century, the patterns started depicting people and animals and by the 16th century, it also became popular to have dinnerware designed with the family crest.
Today's majolica continues to be made and decorated by hand, making each piece a unique work of art. Here's a small sampling of the majolica that I'll be receiving in the next 5-6 weeks. I cannot wait!
posted by Emilia at
9:35 AM
1 Comments:
Hi, this is pilar from deux frontieres. in case you didn't see my response earlier, tuile a loup is at 35, rue daubenton, in the 5th. best of luck with your business. It sounds like a great idea and a wonderful project.
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