Majolica History

Origin

• The first Majolica pottery appeared in Baghdad in the ninth century. During the next 200 to 300 years, Majolica pottery migrated through northern Africa to the island of Majorca off the coast of Spain.

Majorca

• In the 13th century, Majorca was a major port on the trade routes between Italy and Spain. Majolica pottery soon spread throughout the Mediterranean.

Italian Majolica

• During the Renaissance, Italian artists began creating their own pottery in the Majolica style.

Imitating the Style

• French, British and Dutch artists began copying Italian Majolica. In 1848, Joseph Arnoux of England's famous Minton pottery created a form of Majolica with a thicker body and brighter color palette.

Manufacturers

• Other potteries that manufactured Majolica include Luneville, Sarreguemines, Wedgwood and Griffin, Smith and Hill.

Characteristics

• Majolica is a tin-glazed earthenware that is fired at a very low temperature. It is typically decorated to mimic natural motifs.