Majolica

Majolica is a type of soft earthenware ceramic formed with plaster of paris moulds. The first base coat of glaze is lead-based and then brightly coloured metal oxide glazes are applied on top. The ceramics then receive another firing. During the second firing, the glazes interact creating the rich colours majolica pieces carry so well. These colours and the unusual and varied objects they decorate, attract collectors to this distinctive type of pottery. Many majolica artists looked to nature for inspiration. Ocean themes, fruits and exotically coloured plant motifs all find a home within the decoration of these earthenware.

The majolica most often collected today, which was developed by ceramics expert Herbert Minton and chemist Leon Arnoux, debuted at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. This "new" Victorian art form actually represented a culmination of ceramic artistry and glazing techniques spanning centuries according to Charles L. Washburne, a majolica expert. Many pieces of majolica had no identifying marks. But some of the most notable English majolica manufacturers that did mark their wares are Minton, Wedgwood, Holdcroft and George Jones. Two of the most recognised American names are Griffin, Smith and Hill, (Etruscan) and Chesapeake Pottery. Pieces with these marks, especially the English versions, can be quite expensive. Majolica is the anglicised version of the Italian maiolica and refers only to tin-glazed and some lead-glazed ware of the 19th century.