POTTERY FACTS
Maiolica (pronounced ma-ya-li-ca), a tin-glazed earthenware, can trace its roots back to 9th century Islam. It was first introduced into Italy during the 13th century from Moorish Spain, shipped by traders from the island of Majorca, thus giving the Spanish lustreware the name Maiolica (although it could also derive from the Spanish obra de malaga, ie, lustreware). Italian potters glazed their red ware pottery with a white tin glaze and then used metal oxides to decorate the unfired surface. A thin final coat of clear lead glaze (called Coperta) was applied to smooth and make the decorations more glossy. The correct technical term for the process is 'in-glaze' painting.) The term maiolica at first referred only to lustreware, it later came to be used as a generic term for all tin-glazed earthenware.
Italy was the pivotal point from which maiolica, with its new-found status in the decorative arts, was to spread throughout Europe and even further afield. Some of the most influential to take birth in Italy is Faenza, Deruta, Istoriato maiolica and High Renaissance. From Italy, the fashion for decorated tin glaze spread throughout Europe. In the early 1500's, Italian potters started to emigrate and set up workshops in Spain, France, Antwerp and later in Switzerland. From Antwerp, the technique traveled to Holland, Germany and England. From Switzerland, it was to move eastwards to Austria, Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Hungary. In each of these countries, the style of work was at the outset predominantly Italian, but gradually regional characteristic began to creep in and new, distinct styles emerged. Literally, a plethora of tin-glazed earthenware, from the original maiolica, to French 'faience', Dutch and English 'delftware', and Minton 'majolica', appear throughout history.
Potters, professional instructors, university art professors, and potter reference material often refer to contemporary (20th century) low-fire earthenware as 'Majolica'. It is the nature of the tin-glazed earthenware, the in-glaze techniques, the dedication to the beautiful and complex methods, that has allowed this tradition to survive. Without this dedication by artists and artisans, a tradition that dates back 1100 years would fade into obscurity... a mere footnote in history.
Stoneware
This is a durable, weighty ceramic which contains stone that can withstand daily use and is chip-resistant.
Earthenware
This is pottery made from actual clay which is porous. It requires a glaze to finish it and add luster. Its properties allow it to be fired for bright colors.
Porcelain
It is one of the most durable ceramics, made of refined clays. It can be a white or gray color. However, it is fired at high temperatures which ensures a hard, glossy surface that is resistant to scratching. It is extremely strong.
5-Piece Place Setting
Unless specified otherwise, it generally includes one each: Dinner plate, salad plate, bread & butter plate, cup and saucer. Sometimes the bread and butter is substituted with a soup plate.
