Italian Ceramics - Brief Introduction to Majolica Pottery
In Italy people have been experimenting
with clay and ceramics for centuries. The ceramic art form was originally
introduced to the Italian Peninsula by the Greek colonies as early as
the 5th century B.C. During the 13th century Tuscany had very good trade
relations with Moorish Spain and imported lusterware into Italy. Many
of those imported pieces were directly influenced by ceramics from the
These pieces are known to the world as Majolica. Italians used the term
to describe Hispano-Moresque imports of luster wares, which were shipped
through Majorca to Italy. Today the term Majolica means ‘tin glazed
earthenware’. Deruta, Montelupo Fiorentino, Gubbio, Florence, Sesto
Fiorentino, and Faenza are cities in Italy that are very well-known for
the production of Italian majolica.
The picturesque city of Deruta is
considered the world’s capital of Majolica pottery and it is also
one of the most noble and ancient centers of ceramic production. Deruta
is just south of the city of Perugia, located in the Umbria region of
Italy which is southeast of neighboring Tuscany.
Italian ceramics production of those early days mainly consisted of objects
for everyday use such as vases, wine and water jugs, bowls, basins, but
also many decorative works in the typical two-color scheme depicting geometric
motifs and stylizations of flowers and leaves.
The most common surviving pieces from the earliest period of majolica
are storage vessels made for monastic pharmacies and decorated with contemporary
In the late 15th century majolica became more decorative and less functional.
Dishes and vases were designed mostly for display. Subjects were taken
from Roman history, Greek and Roman mythology, the Bible, and occasionally
from contemporary literature.
Highly characteristic local styles emerged, such as the Deruta trademark
"Raffaellesco" dragon design created by Raffaello Sanzio, an
Italian master painter and architect of the Florentine school. Another
artist worth mentioning is Luca della Robbia who revolutionized the use
of blue and white enamels and used majolica technique to add brilliance
to the surface of his works of sculpture.
Italian potters abandoned the old familiar processes, and began experimenting
with different styles and techniques. Among other things this resulted
in the inclusion of human figures in the designs.
After more than 700 years of continuous production, Italian ceramics are
admired around the world. Many museums in Europe and America exhibit precious
examples of Renaissance Italian Ceramics. Today this artistic tradition
goes on in workshops where talented craftsmen and artists try to recreate
the wonderful style of this era.
The majolica tradition continues in Deruta today, as well as in other
parts of Italy. Main colours of Majolica are green, blue, green, purple,
brow, yellow, orange and white. Italian ceramics are known for their master
craftsmanship and durability.