Francesco Xanto Avelli - Decorated earthenware dish from Urbino, Italy ca 1531.

Majolica

Majolica

It is initially a ceramic with a metallic luster, a technique inherited mainly from Muslim Persia in the second half of the 9th century. Luster ceramic then made its way to Spain, then to Italy, moving away from its oriental model.
The abduction \'Hélène - Earthenware dish decorated with Montelupo, after a motif by Marcantonio Raimondi, made after a drawing by Raphaël, now extinct, 1540-1545, Musée d\'Ecouen
The term majolica subsequently designates earthenware with tin enamel: After drying, a first so-called “biscuit” firing is carried out at around 1,000-1,100°C. The pottery can then be glazed using a lead glaze opacified with tin oxide. The colored decoration is then painted on the dry, powdery but unfired white enamel. Once the decoration has been painted, a translucent lead-based finishing glaze - the coperta - is applied to enhance the nuances and provide a uniform shine.
The object is then ready for a second and final firing at 800-900°C.

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