Victorian majolica properly refers to two types of
majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
made in the second half of the 19th century in Europe and America.
Firstly, and best known, there is the mass-produced majolica decorated with coloured
lead glazes, made in Britain, Europe and the US; typically hard-wearing, surfaces moulded in relief, vibrant translucent glazes, in occasionally classical but mostly naturalistic styles, often with an element of High Victorian whimsy.
Secondly, there is the much less common
tin-glazed
Tin-glazing is the process of giving tin-glazed pottery items a ceramic glaze that is white, glossy and opaque, which is normally applied to red or buff earthenware. Tin-glaze is plain lead glaze with a small amount of tin oxide added.Caiger-Smith, ...
majolica made primarily by
Mintons
Mintons was a major company in Staffordshire pottery, "Europe's leading ceramic factory during the Victorian era", an independent business from 1793 to 1968. It was a leader in ceramic design, working in a number of different ceramic bodies, ...
from 1848 to circa 1880, typically with flat surfaces, opaque white glaze with fine brush painted decoration in imitation of the Italian Renaissance
maiolica
Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery decorated in colours on a white background. Italian maiolica dating from the Renaissance period is the most renowned. When depicting historical and mythical scenes, these works were known as ''istoriato'' wares ( ...
process and styles.
Glazes
Glaze is a
vitreous coating on a
ceramic. There are four types of
glazing:
feldspathic
Feldspars are a group of rock-forming aluminium tectosilicate minerals, also containing other cations such as sodium, calcium, potassium, or barium. The most common members of the feldspar group are the ''plagioclase'' (sodium-calcium) feldspa ...
or alkali-glazed,
salt-glazed,
lead-glazed, and
tin-glazed
Tin-glazing is the process of giving tin-glazed pottery items a ceramic glaze that is white, glossy and opaque, which is normally applied to red or buff earthenware. Tin-glaze is plain lead glaze with a small amount of tin oxide added.Caiger-Smith, ...
.
It is important to understand that lead oxide is the main ingredient of both lead ''and'' tin glazes.
Lead oxide
Lead oxides are a group of inorganic compounds with formulas including lead (Pb) and oxygen (O).
Common lead oxides include:
* Lead(II) oxide, PbO, litharge (red), massicot (yellow)
* Lead(II,IV) oxide, Pb3O4, minium, ''red lead''
* Lead dioxide ...
is a
flux
Flux describes any effect that appears to pass or travel (whether it actually moves or not) through a surface or substance. Flux is a concept in applied mathematics and vector calculus which has many applications to physics. For transport ph ...
that causes lead ''and'' tin glazes to
fuse to the earthenware biscuit body
Body may refer to:
In science
* Physical body, an object in physics that represents a large amount, has mass or takes up space
* Body (biology), the physical material of an organism
* Body plan, the physical features shared by a group of animal ...
at a low oven temperature, about 800 °C. The other ingredients in lead and tin glazes are typically an equally large quantity of
silicates
In chemistry, a silicate is any member of a family of polyatomic anions consisting of silicon and oxygen, usually with the general formula , where . The family includes orthosilicate (), metasilicate (), and pyrosilicate (, ). The name i ...
(sand or stone), and a small proportion of
alkali
In chemistry, an alkali (; from ar, القلوي, al-qaly, lit=ashes of the saltwort) is a basic, ionic salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. An alkali can also be defined as a base that dissolves in water. A solution of ...
(potash or similar) ground up with a little water and the large proportion of lead oxide to form a paste.
A coloured glaze results from adding a very small amount of particular
metal oxide
An oxide () is a chemical compound that contains at least one oxygen atom and one other element in its chemical formula. "Oxide" itself is the dianion of oxygen, an O2– (molecular) ion. with oxygen in the oxidation state of −2. Most of the ...
s to
plain lead glaze, different metal oxides producing different colours. Since mid-19th century coloured glazes earthenware has been known as ''majolica''.
An opaque white
tin-glaze
Tin-glazing is the process of giving tin-glazed pottery items a ceramic glaze that is white, glossy and opaque, which is normally applied to red or buff earthenware. Tin-glaze is plain lead glaze with a small amount of tin oxide added.Caiger-Smith, ...
results from adding a very small amount of
tin oxide
Tin is a chemical element with the Chemical symbol, symbol Sn (from la, :la:Stannum, stannum) and atomic number 50. Tin is a silvery-coloured metal.
Tin is soft enough to be cut with little force and a bar of tin can be bent by hand wit ...
to
plain lead glaze. Decorated with brush-painted enamels,
tin-glazed earthenware
Tin-glazed pottery is earthenware covered in lead glaze with added tin oxide which is white, shiny and opaque (see tin-glazing for the chemistry); usually this provides a background for brightly painted decoration. It has been important in Is ...
from mid-15th century onwards has been known as ''
maiolica
Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery decorated in colours on a white background. Italian maiolica dating from the Renaissance period is the most renowned. When depicting historical and mythical scenes, these works were known as ''istoriato'' wares ( ...
'', also later as ''
faience
Faience or faïence (; ) is the general English language term for fine tin-glazed pottery. The invention of a white pottery glaze suitable for painted decoration, by the addition of an oxide of tin to the slip of a lead glaze, was a major a ...
'', ''
delftware
Delftware or Delft pottery, also known as Delft Blue ( nl, Delfts blauw) or as delf,
is a general term now used for Dutch tin-glazed earthenware, a form of faience. Most of it is blue and white pottery, and the city of Delft in the Netherlands ...
'', ''
talavera'', or rarely
''majolica'', though commonly
''majolica'' in USA.
Coloured glazes
majolica n. 1. is earthenware decorated with
coloured lead glazes applied directly to an unglazed body. Victorian majolica is the familiar mass-produced
earthenware decorated with coloured lead glazes made during the Victorian era (1837-1900) in Britain, Europe and the US, typically hard-wearing, surfaces frequently moulded in relief, vibrant translucent glazes, in a variety of styles and forms (some examples below). Shown in Britain at the Exhibitions of 1851 and 1862, it became fashionable, widely copied and mass-produced world-wide. Also known as: maiolica,
Palissy ware
Palissy ware is a 19th-century term for ceramics produced in the style of the famous French potter Bernard Palissy (c. 1510–90), who referred to his own work in the familiar manner as ("in the rustic style"). It is therefore also known as rus ...
, coloured glazes majolica, coloured-glazed majolica, lead-glazed majolica, and misleadingly 'lead or tin glazed' majolica.
Some coloured glazes majolica was produced in traditional Classical or Revivalist styles, but
Darwinism
Darwinism is a theory of biological evolution developed by the English naturalist Charles Darwin (1809–1882) and others, stating that all species of organisms arise and develop through the natural selection of small, inherited variations that ...
,
natural history, their English country gardens, expeditions abroad, and trade in oriental products generated more exciting styles appealing to the upcoming merchant classes. There was a boom in Naturalistic pottery, often with an element of whimsy, to which Minton's inexpensive, durable, multi-purpose product was well suited. A strong interest in the world at large generated passing fashions for Egyptian forms, Japanese styles,
Chinoiserie
(, ; loanword from French ''chinoiserie'', from ''chinois'', "Chinese"; ) is the European interpretation and imitation of Chinese and other East Asian artistic traditions, especially in the decorative arts, garden design, architecture, litera ...
and
High Victorian style.
Conservatories became a fashion statement. Adorning them were spectacular majolica garden seats, flower pots, jardinières, stands, large birds and animals. The irrepressible urge to impress guests with rare food led to the growing of
pineapple
The pineapple (''Ananas comosus'') is a tropical plant with an edible fruit; it is the most economically significant plant in the family Bromeliaceae. The pineapple is indigenous to South America, where it has been cultivated for many centuri ...
s and egg-plants (
aubergines) formerly only available overseas. These too appeared as decorative objects for admiration around the home. Minton's
Palissy ware
Palissy ware is a 19th-century term for ceramics produced in the style of the famous French potter Bernard Palissy (c. 1510–90), who referred to his own work in the familiar manner as ("in the rustic style"). It is therefore also known as rus ...
boomed. Pottery makers throughout Britain, Europe and the US copied the process with great success, albeit variable quality. Palissy ware/Majolica went global.
File:Minton Candelabra, 16.9 ins., coloured glazes majolica, 1864, Revivalist in style.jpg, Candelabra, 16.9 ins., coloured glazes majolica, 1864, Revivalist in style.
File:Wedgwood corn platter coloured glazes on biscuit majolica19452.jpg, Bread plate or corn platter, temperature compatible coloured glazes on biscuit
A biscuit is a flour-based baked and shaped food product. In most countries biscuits are typically hard, flat, and unleavened. They are usually sweet and may be made with sugar, chocolate, icing, jam, ginger, or cinnamon. They can also be sa ...
, naturalistic in style, surfaces molded in relief.
File:Minton Tobacco Jar and cover, coloured glazes majolica, 1868, naturalistic in style.jpg, Tobacco Jar and cover, coloured glazes majolica, 1868, naturalistic in style.
File:Minton and Co. Goblet, 9.2 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1869, Revivalist in style.jpg, Goblet, 9.2 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1869, Revivalist in style.
File:Belfield and Co. Jug, c. 1870, naturalistic in style, Scotland.jpg, Jug, coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870, naturalistic in style, Scotland.
File:Holdcroft Asparagus server table ware, 13.4ins, circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.jpg, Asparagus server (table ware), 13.4ins, circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.
File:George Jones Strawberry jar and cover, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style.jpg, Strawberry jar and cover, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones Majolica candle holder, coloured and mottled glazes, c. 1870, Naturalistic style.jpg, Candle holder, coloured and mottled glazes, c. 1870, Naturalistic style.
File:George Jones Dessert plate, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style.jpg, Dessert plate, coloured glazes, c. 1870, naturalistic style.
File:Tobacco jar and cover, c 1870, coloured glazes.jpg, Tobacco jar and cover, c. 1870, coloured glazes, Portugal.
File:Clock, coloured glazes majolica, c.1870, Revivalist in style.jpg, Clock, coloured glazes majolica, c.1870, Revivalist in style.
File:Maj4.jpg, Vase, plain and colored lead glazes on buff biscuit
A biscuit is a flour-based baked and shaped food product. In most countries biscuits are typically hard, flat, and unleavened. They are usually sweet and may be made with sugar, chocolate, icing, jam, ginger, or cinnamon. They can also be sa ...
, mixture of Revivalist styles.
File:George Jones Majolica Watch stand for ladies dressing table set, coloured glazes, c. 1874, naturalistic style.jpg, Watch stand for ladies dressing table set, coloured glazes, c. 1874, naturalistic style.
File:Basket, coloured glazes majolica, 10,2ins., c.1875, naturalistic in style.jpg, Basket, coloured glazes majolica, 10,2ins., c.1875, naturalistic in style.
File:Minton Spoon Warmer, coloured glazes majolica, 1876, ultra naturalistic in style.jpg, Spoon Warmer, coloured glazes majolica, 1876, ultra naturalistic in style.
File:Minton & Co. - Cherub and ribbon jardiniere.JPG, Jardinière (flower pot), coloured lead glazes, Revivalist style(s).
File:Barbizet palissy ware wall plate.jpg, Wall plate, c. 1890, coloured lead glazes Palissy majolica, Barbizet, France, ultra-naturalistic in style.
File:Toothpick holder, 5.5 ins., coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Toothpick holder, 5.5 ins., coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.
File:George Jones majolica flower-pot, coloured lead glazes on 'biscuit', then fired.jpg, Flower pot, coloured lead glazes on biscuit
A biscuit is a flour-based baked and shaped food product. In most countries biscuits are typically hard, flat, and unleavened. They are usually sweet and may be made with sugar, chocolate, icing, jam, ginger, or cinnamon. They can also be sa ...
, naturalistic in style.
File:Rare Holdcroft lead-glaze majolica teapot circa 1875, coloured lead glazes, Japanese style with an element of whimsy.jpg, Teapot, c. 1875, coloured lead glazes on biscuit
A biscuit is a flour-based baked and shaped food product. In most countries biscuits are typically hard, flat, and unleavened. They are usually sweet and may be made with sugar, chocolate, icing, jam, ginger, or cinnamon. They can also be sa ...
, Japanese style with an element of whimsy.
File:Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique 'Mardis Gras' Wall Pockets.jpg, Wall Pockets, coloured glazes majolica, c.1900, Sarreguemines, France.
Tin-glaze
majolica n. 2. is earthenware, coated with opaque white tin-glaze and ornamented with metallic oxide colours. Tin-glazed Victorian majolica is the rare tin-glazed earthenware made primarily by
Mintons
Mintons was a major company in Staffordshire pottery, "Europe's leading ceramic factory during the Victorian era", an independent business from 1793 to 1968. It was a leader in ceramic design, working in a number of different ceramic bodies, ...
[
] from 1848 to circa 1880, typically with flat surfaces, and opaque whitish glaze with brush painted decoration in the style(s) of
Italian Renaissance
The Italian Renaissance ( it, Rinascimento ) was a period in Italian history covering the 15th and 16th centuries. The period is known for the initial development of the broader Renaissance culture that spread across Europe and marked the tran ...
maiolica
Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery decorated in colours on a white background. Italian maiolica dating from the Renaissance period is the most renowned. When depicting historical and mythical scenes, these works were known as ''istoriato'' wares ( ...
tin-glazed pottery
Tin-glazed pottery is earthenware covered in lead glaze with added tin oxide which is white, shiny and opaque (see tin-glazing for the chemistry); usually this provides a background for brightly painted decoration. It has been important in Isl ...
. Also known as: maiolica; and 'lead or tin' glazed majolica.
Minton's tin-glazed
majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
in imitation of Italian
maiolica
Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery decorated in colours on a white background. Italian maiolica dating from the Renaissance period is the most renowned. When depicting historical and mythical scenes, these works were known as ''istoriato'' wares ( ...
, praised at Exhibitions and purchased by Royalty and museums, made little commercial impact. Other pottery makers shunned the process.
Interest in Renaissance styles was waning, fashion moving on with the usual protestations from older generations: "...the current of fashion, however contrary to right, wisdom, and good taste..."
Cost of production was high. Compared to the lead-glaze process whereby thick, temperature-compatible coloured lead glazes were applied direct to the biscuit, simultaneously, then fired, (paint, fire), the
tin-glaze
Tin-glazing is the process of giving tin-glazed pottery items a ceramic glaze that is white, glossy and opaque, which is normally applied to red or buff earthenware. Tin-glaze is plain lead glaze with a small amount of tin oxide added.Caiger-Smith, ...
process required extra stages for dipping/coating and drying the tin-glaze before decoration could even begin, (dip, dry, paint, fire). Added to this, the expense of brushwork decoration, especially the fine painting of pictures and designs, was very time-consuming, requiring highly skilled, higher paid artists.
File:Minton tin-glazed 'majolica' plate, in imitation of tin-glazed Italian maiolcia.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica plate, imitating tin-glazed Italian Renaissance maiolica process and style.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica Renaissance style, reverse with date cypher and painted mark 01.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica bowl, 10.4ins, design an exact copy of Renaissance 9.4ins original in V&A, flat surfaces, white glaze, brush painted.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica oval plate decorated by Thomas Kirkby in Renaissance style after Mantegna original.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica oval plate, painting by Kirkby, after Triumphs of Caesar (Mantegna)
The ''Triumphs of Caesar'' are a series of nine large paintings created by the Italian Renaissance artist Andrea Mantegna between 1484 and 1492 for the Gonzaga Ducal Palace, Mantua. They depict a triumphal military parade celebrating the victor ...
. Almost identical example in V&A.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica Renaissance style, reverse with date cypher and painted mark 02.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica tondino, istoriato style depicting 'Jesus among the Scribes', signed E Lessore.
File:Minton tin-glaze Majolica Renaissance style, reverse with date cypher and painted mark 03.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica vase, 'grotesque
Since at least the 18th century (in French and German as well as English), grotesque has come to be used as a general adjective for the strange, mysterious, magnificent, fantastic, hideous, ugly, incongruous, unpleasant, or disgusting, and thus ...
' Renaissance style, 'MINTON' to the neck, mostly flat surfaces, opaque white glaze, brush painted.
File:Tin-glazed Minton majolica artist Rochfort, coated, brush-painted.jpg, Minton tin-glazed majolica, impressed date cypher 1864, brush-painted with enamels.
File:Tin-glazed Minton majolica, date cypher 1864, coated not dipped. Brush-painted Rochford signature.jpg, Tin-glazed Minton majolica, base. Note coated not dipped, date cypher 1864, signature brush-painted in manganese oxide.
Caution needed with meanings of ''
majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
''
The term ''
majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
'' has been dogged by confusion starting with the English anglicisation of the word ''maiolica'' into ''majolica'' following the appearance of the letter ''j'' in the English alphabet mid-17th century.
We understand by ''majolica''
Leon Arnoux, the artistic and technical director of
Mintons
Mintons was a major company in Staffordshire pottery, "Europe's leading ceramic factory during the Victorian era", an independent business from 1793 to 1968. It was a leader in ceramic design, working in a number of different ceramic bodies, ...
, wrote in 1852 "We understand by majolica a pottery formed of a calcareous clay gently
fired, and covered with an opaque enamel composed of sand, lead, and tin..."
He was describing the
Minton & Co. tin-glazed
Tin-glazing is the process of giving tin-glazed pottery items a ceramic glaze that is white, glossy and opaque, which is normally applied to red or buff earthenware. Tin-glaze is plain lead glaze with a small amount of tin oxide added.Caiger-Smith, ...
product made in imitation of Italian
maiolica
Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery decorated in colours on a white background. Italian maiolica dating from the Renaissance period is the most renowned. When depicting historical and mythical scenes, these works were known as ''istoriato'' wares ( ...
both in process and in styles. Remember, tin-glaze is simply plain lead glaze with a little tin oxide added. His description is often referenced, in error, as a definition of Minton's other new product, the much copied and later mass-produced ceramic sensation of the Victorian era, Minton's coloured lead glazes '
Palissy ware
Palissy ware is a 19th-century term for ceramics produced in the style of the famous French potter Bernard Palissy (c. 1510–90), who referred to his own work in the familiar manner as ("in the rustic style"). It is therefore also known as rus ...
'. The 16th century French pottery of
Bernard Palissy
Bernard Palissy (c. 1510c. 1589) was a French Huguenot potter, hydraulics engineer and craftsman, famous for having struggled for sixteen years to imitate Chinese porcelain. He is best known for his so-called "rusticware", typically highly decor ...
was well known and much admired.
Mintons
Mintons was a major company in Staffordshire pottery, "Europe's leading ceramic factory during the Victorian era", an independent business from 1793 to 1968. It was a leader in ceramic design, working in a number of different ceramic bodies, ...
adopted the name 'Palissy ware' for their new coloured glazes product, but this soon became known also as ''majolica''. Minton & Co. appear to have done little to promote the clear distinction between their tin-glazed and coloured glazes products.
Minton Archive first design for majolica
Thomas Kirkby's design G144 in the Minton Archive is inscribed "This is the First Design for Majolica ...". The design is
Italian Renaissance
The Italian Renaissance ( it, Rinascimento ) was a period in Italian history covering the 15th and 16th centuries. The period is known for the initial development of the broader Renaissance culture that spread across Europe and marked the tran ...
in style. Close-up images illustrate a design suited for fine brushwork on flat surfaces. The design is for Minton's rare tin-glaze
Majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
imitation of Italian tin-glaze maiolica. Minton's designs for
Palissy ware
Palissy ware is a 19th-century term for ceramics produced in the style of the famous French potter Bernard Palissy (c. 1510–90), who referred to his own work in the familiar manner as ("in the rustic style"). It is therefore also known as rus ...
, also known as ''
majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
'', were suited for 'thick' painting of coloured lead glazes onto surfaces moulded in
relief to make best use of the
intaglio effect.
English Makers
Minton, the Originator
Great Exhibition (1851)
Victorian majolica was originated by Minton & Co., first exhibited at the
Great Exhibition of 1851
The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, also known as the Great Exhibition or the Crystal Palace Exhibition (in reference to the temporary structure in which it was held), was an international exhibition which took pl ...
.
File:1851 Exhib Catalogue Cover.png, 1851 Great Exhibition London, Catalogue Cover
File:1851 Exhibition Catalogue, Minton Entries 60 to 74.jpg, 1851 Exhibition Catalogue, Minton Exhibit Numbers 60 to 74. ''Majolica'' refers to Renaissance Italian maiolica.
File:1851 Exhibition, Minton entry No 74 Lithograph.jpg, Lithograph illustrating flower pots, and stands (underplates) and garden seats, see Exhibit Number 60.
File:Minton coloured lead glazes majolica flower vase, shape first seen 1851 Exhibition.jpg, Minton Palissy ware/ majolica flower vase, coloured glazes, shape first shown at the 1851 Exhibition, Exhibit Number 60.
File:MintonStandAndFlowerVase.jpg, Minton tin-glazed Majolica flower pot and stand (pedestal) in Italian Renaissance maiolica Grotesque
Since at least the 18th century (in French and German as well as English), grotesque has come to be used as a general adjective for the strange, mysterious, magnificent, fantastic, hideous, ugly, incongruous, unpleasant, or disgusting, and thus ...
style, see Exhibit Number 74
The 1851 Exhibition Catalogue lists the two Victorian majolica products by Minton in consecutive sections.
Earthenware ''
..' Flowerpots, etc.
Exhibit Number 60. "A variety of ''
..' flowerpots and stands, and garden seats." refers to the coloured glazes product that
Mintons
Mintons was a major company in Staffordshire pottery, "Europe's leading ceramic factory during the Victorian era", an independent business from 1793 to 1968. It was a leader in ceramic design, working in a number of different ceramic bodies, ...
called
Palissy ware
Palissy ware is a 19th-century term for ceramics produced in the style of the famous French potter Bernard Palissy (c. 1510–90), who referred to his own work in the familiar manner as ("in the rustic style"). It is therefore also known as rus ...
.
Tiles, Terra Cotta, and Vases, etc, in imitation of Majolica Ware.
Exhibit Number 74. "Variety of flowerpots and stands, coloured in the majolica style, etc." refers to the tin-glazed product painted with enamels that
Mintons
Mintons was a major company in Staffordshire pottery, "Europe's leading ceramic factory during the Victorian era", an independent business from 1793 to 1968. It was a leader in ceramic design, working in a number of different ceramic bodies, ...
called
Majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
.
Exposition Universelle (1855)
The Exposition Universelle of 1855 was an International Exhibition held on the Champs-Élysées in Paris from 15 May to 15 November 1855. Its full official title was the Exposition Universelle des produits de l'Agriculture, de l'Industrie et des B ...
The ''
Illustrated London News
''The Illustrated London News'' appeared first on Saturday 14 May 1842, as the world's first illustrated weekly news magazine. Founded by Herbert Ingram, it appeared weekly until 1971, then less frequently thereafter, and ceased publication in ...
'' reported with approval on Minton's two new products shown in Paris:
The collection of Palissy and Majolica ware, however, is that which appears to have created the greatest sensation among Parisian connoisseurs. The reader will remember that the main difference in these wares is that whereas the Palissy ware is coloured by a transparent glaze, Majolica ware contains the colour (opaque) in the material. The care and taste with which these manufactures have been brought by the Messrs. Minton to their present state of perfection, have been amply rewarded. Within a few days of the opening of the Exhibition all the specimens exhibited had been sold.
Despite this reminder Minton's Palissy Ware became known as 'majolica ware'; 'Palissy ware' dropped out of use and 'majolica' stuck. In the 1870s, the curators of the South Kensington Museum (now the
V&A) tried to clear up the confusion by reviving the Italian spelling 'maiolica' with an 'i' instead of a 'j' for Italian tin-glaze.
Great Exhibition (1862)
At the second Great Exhibition of the Art-Works of All Nations a range of Minton's products were exhibited and illustrated in the Exhibition Catalogue. Amongst them were the two Minton majolicas a) tin-glazed Minton Majolica and b) coloured glazes Minton Palissy ware soon known also as 'majolica'.
File:1862_Exhibition_Minton_exhibits.jpg, 1862 Exhibition Minton exhibits, top left "The Italian vase is Majolica, decorated from a design by Mr. ALFRED STEVENS.", bottom middle "The EWER is a Palissy Vase."
File:Minton_exhibit_1862_tin-glazed_Italian_Vase.jpg, Minton Majolica vase, 1862 Exhibition, process and style in imitation of Italian Renaissance maiolica. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
File:Minton_exhibit_1862_colored_glazes_Pallisy_ware.jpg, Minton Palissy ware ewer, 1862 Exhibition, process coloured glazes majolica, style Renaissance with a touch of Naturalistic.
File:A Minton Preserve server, 1860, coloured glazes, naturalistic style.jpg, Inkstand, 1860, coloured glazes, naturalistic style.
File:A Minton Ice stand table centre, 1860, coloured glazes, Revivalist style.jpg, Ice stand table centre, 1860, coloured glazes, Revivalist style.
File:Minton Candelabra, 1860, coloured, mottled, and plain glazes, Revivalist style.jpg, Minton Candelabra, 1860, coloured, mottled, and plain glazes, Revivalist style.
File:Minton Chestnut server, 1865, 11 ins., coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Chestnut server, 1865, 11 ins., coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:A Minton Nautilus shell centrepiece, 1865, coloured glazes, Revivalist style.jpg, Nautilus shell centrepiece, 1865, coloured glazes, Revivalist style.
File:Minton Garden Seat, 18.1 ins., coloured glazes, Chinoiserie in style, 1866.jpg, Garden Seat, 18.1 ins., coloured glazes, Chinoiserie in style, 1866.
File:Minton 'Quaker man' toby jug, 1867.jpg, 'Quaker man' toby jug, 1867.
File:Minton Gun dog Game Pie Dish, 17.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Gun dog Game Pie Dish, 17.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:Minton Nut dish, 1869, naturalistic style.jpg, Nut dish, 1869, naturalistic style.
File:Minton Vases, 1869, rare combination of fine-painted tin-glaze and coloured glazes handles, rim and interior.jpg, Vases, 1869, rare combination of fine-painted tin-glaze and coloured glazes handles, rim and interior.
File:Minton Garden Seat, 1870, 20 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist motifs.jpg, Garden Seat, 1870, 20 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist motifs.
File:Minton Vintager figural, 1870.jpg, Vintager figural, 1870.
File:Minton Hollins and Co, tiles, c. 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Tiles, c. 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:Minton Candle Holder, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Candle Holder, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:A Minton Tureen, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic style.jpg, Tureen, 1870, coloured glazes, naturalistic style.
File:A Minton Oyster server, 1870, coloured glazes, Naturalistic style.jpg, Oyster server, 1870, coloured glazes, Naturalistic style.
File:A Minton Teapot, coconut, mushroom lid, 1872, coloured glazes, naturalistic style with hint of whimsy.jpg, Teapot, coconut, mushroom lid, 1872, coloured glazes, naturalistic style with hint of whimsy.
File:Minton Cat and mouse jug, 1875, naturalistic style.jpg, Cat and mouse jug, 1875, naturalistic style.
File:Minton Eggplant-Aubergine vase, 1875, naturalistic style.jpg, Eggplant-Aubergine vase, 1875, naturalistic style.
File:Mintons Pomegranite Vase, 1878, 22 ins., coloured glazes, boldly decorative, naturalistic and humourous in style.jpg, Pomegranate Vase, 1878, 22 ins., coloured glazes, boldly decorative, naturalistic and humorous in style.
File:A Minton Garden seat, 1880, coloured glazes, in imitation of Tang dynasty sancai.jpg, Garden seat, 1880, coloured glazes, in imitation of Tang dynasty sancai
''Sancai'' ()Vainker, 75 is a versatile type of decoration on Chinese pottery using glazes or slip, predominantly in the three colours of brown (or amber), green, and a creamy off-white. It is particularly associated with the Tang Dynasty (618� ...
.
Wedgwood
Wedgwoodbegan to manufacture majolica about ten years after Mintons. Wedgwood's glazes and modelling were denser and more formal than Minton's, but there were many pieces that displayed the naturalism and humour of Minton shapes. Wedgwood's majolica included
cachepots, jugs, candlesticks, cheese bells, umbrella stands, sardine boxes, plates in naturalistic patterns, bread trays, etc. In Wedgwood's "greenware" the green glaze emphasizes the low relief patterning, typically of basketwork and foliage. Numerous smaller factories in the
Staffordshire Potteries
The Staffordshire Potteries is the industrial area encompassing the six towns Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Stoke and Tunstall, which is now the city of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England. North Staffordshire became a centre of ...
specialised in such green majolica wares in which the translucent glaze brought out the low relief of the cast body: some, like Wedgwood, marked their majolica with impressed stamps.
Majolica was influenced by the design of the old "Cauliflower" and "Pineapple" teapots that had been made by
Thomas Whieldon
Thomas Whieldon (September 1719 in Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent – March 1795) was a significant English potter who played a leading role in the development of Staffordshire pottery.
The attribution of actual pieces to his factory has long been u ...
, Wedgwood and other 18th-century Staffordshire potters. Both English and American majolica potters reproduced the "Cauliflower" pattern and other raised fruit, vegetable, leaf, and berry patterns, with green, yellow, pink, brown, light blue and purple-blue glazes. There is also a teapot of yellow corn and green leaves, similar to the old Whieldon "Pineapple" teapots, and a teapot, jug and sugar bowl of pink coral and green seaweed with accents of brown and blue, marked "Etruscan Majolica". Many late 19th-century majolica designs had rustic motifs with backgrounds of basketry and wooden-bound buckets decorated with moulded flowers, birds, fish and animals. Handles were made to resemble tree branches, rose stems and twined flowers and leaves.
Plates, jugs, teapots and other articles were moulded with the shapes of wild roses, lily pads and herons, begonia leaves, shells, coral, seaweed, corn and bamboo stalks, cabbage leaves, strawberries, ferns and sprays of flowers, borders of basketry and oriental motifs.
File:Wedgwood Angels dessert plate c. 1867.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica ''Angels'' dessert plate, c. 1867, Revivalist in style.
File:Wedgwood Centrepiece 16.3ins c. 1889.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica centrepiece 16.3ins., c.1889, Revivalist and Naturalistic in style.
File:Wedgwood Cheese Keep c. 1876.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica primroses cheese keep, c. 1876, Naturalistic in style.
File:Wedgwood Dessert plate intaglio c. 1871.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica, intaglio pictorial centre 'Email Ombrant', c.1871, Classical style.
File:Wedgwood Dessert plate mottled c. 1865.jpg, Mottled coloured glazes Victorian majolica, c.1865, border in Greek key style.
File:Wedgwood Hippocamp centrepiece c. 1869.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica hippocamp centrepiece, c. 1869, Classical mythology in style.
File:Wedgwood Vintager figural c. 1875.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica figural vintager, c. 1875, Naturalistic in style.
George Jones
The Trent Pottery
George Jonesand Sons, made majolica cupids, shells, dolphins, birds, figurines and coral designs in numerous shapes including highbrow centrepieces alongside snuff boxes, spittoons, dog bowls, vases, serving dishes, tea sets, jugs, cheese keeps, desk sets, garden seats and pie dishes. Their mark was a monogram of the initials "G.J." joined together. A beehive bread dish with a cover has a design of wild roses against a background of basketwork and has the Trent Pottery mark. Also flowerpots were made in bright colours and with raised designs of natural flowers.
File:George Jones c. 1869 squirrel nut dish, naturalistic style.jpg, Squirrel nut dish, 1869, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones, 'Neptune', coloured glazes, 1870, Revivalist influence.jpg, 'Neptune', coloured glazes, 1870, Revivalist influence.
File:Spitoon, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880.jpg, Spitoon, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880
File:Snuff box, coloured glazes majolica with pewter lid, c.1870, naturalistic goat figure.jpg, Snuff box, coloured glazes majolica with pewter lid, c.1870, naturalistic goat figure.
File:George Jones c. 1870 amphora vase, Egyptian style.jpg, Amphora vase, 1870, Egyptian style.
File:George Jones majolica flower-pot, coloured lead glazes on 'biscuit', then fired.jpg, Flower pot, coloured lead glazes on biscuit
A biscuit is a flour-based baked and shaped food product. In most countries biscuits are typically hard, flat, and unleavened. They are usually sweet and may be made with sugar, chocolate, icing, jam, ginger, or cinnamon. They can also be sa ...
, raised design of natural flowers.
File:George Jones c. 1870 bird jug, naturalistic style.jpg, Bird jug, 1870, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones c. 1870 cheese keep, naturalistic style.jpg, Cheese keep and stand, 1870, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones c. 1871 desk set for inks, sand, and quills, naturalistic style.jpg, Ladies desk set for inks, sand and quills, 1871, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones c. 1873 lily dish with kingfisher, naturalistic style.jpg, Lily dish with kingfisher, 1873, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones Trinket dish, coloured glazes, c. 1874, spectacularly Naturalistic in style.jpg, Trinket dish, coloured glazes, c. 1874, spectacularly Naturalistic in style.
File:George Jonees tea set, c.1873, naturalistic style in apple blossom pattern.jpg, Tea set, 1873, naturalistic apple blossom pattern.
File:George Jones c. 1875 garden seat, naturalistic style.jpg, Garden seat, 1875, naturalistic style.
File:George Jones c. 1875 merman and dolphin dish, Revivalist style.jpg, Merman and dolphin dish, 1875, Revivalist style.
File:George Jones, Sardine dish, coloured glazes, c. 1875, spectacularly naturalistic.jpg, Sardine dish, coloured glazes, c. 1875, spectacularly naturalistic.
File:George Jones, Pie dish, coloured glazes, c. 1877, spectacularly Naturalistic in style.jpg, Pie dish, coloured glazes, c. 1877, spectacularly Naturalistic in style.
File:George Jones c. 1880 frog and insect vase.jpg, Frog and insect vase, c. 1880, naturalistic in style.
Joseph Holdcroft
Joseph Holdcroftof
Longton.
File:Holdcroft Oriental Boy on Coconut Teapot c 1870.jpg, Coloured glazes Oriental Boy on Coconut Teapot and cover c 1870.
File:Holdcroft Floral Teapot c 1880.jpg, Coloured glazes Floral Teapot and cover c 1880.
File:Holdcroft majolica cheese keep 01.jpg, Coloured glazes cheese keep, naturalistic style.
File:Holdcroft majolica garden seat, naturalistic style.jpg, Coloured glazes garden seat, naturalistic style.
File:Holdcroft majolica fish and lilies jardiniere, naturalistic style.jpg, Coloured glazes fish and lilies jardiniere, naturalistic style.
File:Holdcroft Jug, 9.6 ins., circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.jpg, Holdcroft Jug, 9.6 ins., circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.
File:Holdcroft Asparagus server table ware, 13.4ins, circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.jpg, Holdcroft Asparagus server table ware, 13.4ins, circa 1870, naturalistic coloured glazes majolica.
File:Holdcroft Dessert plate, coloured glazes, circa 1870, naturalistic style.jpg, Holdcroft Dessert plate, coloured glazes, circa 1870, naturalistic style.
File:Holdcroft Wall Pocket, c.1870. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Wall Pocket, c.1870. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:Holdcroft Cheese Dome and Stand, c.1880. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Cheese Dome and Stand, c.1880. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:Holdcroft majolica box and cover.jpg, Coloured glazes box and cover, Aesthetic
Aesthetics, or esthetics, is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of beauty and taste, as well as the philosophy of art (its own area of philosophy that comes out of aesthetics). It examines aesthetic values, often expressed th ...
style, c. 1880
File:Holdcroft majolica swan vase.jpg, Coloured glazes swan vase, c.1875, naturalistic in style.
File:Holdcroft majolica swan base.jpg, Coloured glazes swan base, impressed pattern number.
File:Holdcroft majolica toothpick holder.jpg, Coloured glazes frog toothpick holder, c. 1870
Brownfield
File:Brownfield coloured glazes majolica vase c 1870.jpg, Coloured glazes vase c.1875.
File:Brownfield Chestnut finial coloured glazes majolica dish and cover c 1880 01.jpg, Chestnut finial coloured glazes dish and cover c.1880
File:Brownfield Cats Vase, coloured glazes, c.1875.jpg, Cats Vase, coloured glazes, c.1875.
File:Brownfield Cheese keep and underplate, coloured glazes, c.1870.jpg, Cheese keep and underplate, coloured glazes, c.1870.
File:Brownfield Coloured glazes majolica Cockatoo, c.1870.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica Cockatoo, c.1870.
File:Brownfield coloured glazes majolica Sauceboat, c.1870, Revivalist references.jpg, Brownfield coloured glazes majolica Sauceboat, c.1870, Revivalist references.
File:Brownfield Peasant Figures, 13.2 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c.1880.jpg, Brownfield Peasant Figures, 13.2 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c.1880.
Brown Westhead Moore
Brown-Westhead, Moore & Co
File:Maj5.jpg, Garden Seat, coloured lead glazes.
File:Brown Westhead Moore Butterfly box and cover, coloured glazes, c.1860.jpg, Butterfly box and cover, coloured glazes, c.1860.
File:Brown Westhead Moore Rabbit box and cover, coloured glazes, c.1870,.jpg, Rabbit box and cover, coloured glazes, c.1870.
File:Brown Westhead Moore Vase, coloured glazes, c.1875.jpg, Vase, coloured glazes, c.1875.
File:Brown Westhead Moore coloured glazes hexagonal teapot and cover c 1870.jpg, Brown Westhead Moore coloured glazes hexagonal teapot and cover c 1870.
Copeland
Copeland& Garrett., successors to
Josiah Spode
Josiah Spode (23 March 1733 – 18 August 1797) was an English potter and the founder of the English Spode pottery works which became famous for the high quality of its wares. He is often credited with the establishment of blue underglaze tran ...
File:Majolica0718566.jpg, Copeland coloured glazes majolica, 'Sloth and Mischief'.
File:Copeland Cauliflower teapot, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style, c. 1870.jpg, Cauliflower teapot, coloured glazes, naturalistic in style, c. 1870.
File:Copeland Centrepiece, 16.5 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1870.jpg, Centrepiece, 16.5 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1870.
File:Copeland Jug-Pitcher, 7.8 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1877.jpg, Jug-Pitcher, 7.8 ins., coloured glazes, Revivalist in style, c. 1877.
File:Copeland Sardine box, 9.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, quirky 'High Victorian' in style, c. 1870.jpg, Sardine box, 9.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, quirky 'High Victorian' in style, c. 1870.
File:Copeland Spoon warmer, 9.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, quirky naturalistic in style, c. 1870.jpg, Spoon warmer, 9.3 ins., coloured and mottled glazes, quirky naturalistic in style, c. 1870.
Thomas Forester
Thomas Forester & Sons
File:Forester Garden seat, 20.9 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1880, storks and bamboo pattern.jpg, Garden seat, 20.9 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1880, storks and bamboo pattern.
File:Forester Tea set,, coloured glazes, c. 1880, hazelnut pattern.jpg, Tea set, coloured glazes, c. 1880, hazelnut pattern.
Samuel Lear
Samuel Lear
File:Lear Dessert plate, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, sunflowers pattern.jpg, Lear Dessert plate, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, sunflowers pattern.
File:Lear Jug, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, lily of the valley pattern.jpg, Lear Jug, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, lily of the valley pattern.
File:Samuel Lear Oyster plate, 9.6 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1881, sunflower pattern.jpg, Oyster plate, 9.6 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1881, sunflower pattern.
* Poole and Unwin
Fielding
S.Fielding and Co., The Railway Pottery, Stoke on Trent* Daniel Sutherland and Sons
* James Woodward
Adams & Bromley
J.W. John Adams and Co., Hanley
File:Adams and Bromley Ewers, coloured glazes, c. 1880, Renaissance in style.jpg, Ewers, coloured glazes, c. 1880, Renaissance in style.
* Edge, Malkin & Co, Burslem
Royal Worcester
File:Royal Worcester coloured glazes majolica organ grinder figure 9.3ins c 1870.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica organ grinder figure 9.3ins c 1870.
File:Royal Worcester Salt, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, circa 1880, naturalistic shell.jpg, Salt, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, circa 1880, naturalistic shell.
File:Royal Worcester Candlesticks, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, circa 1880, naturalistic in style with historical references.jpg, Candlesticks, coloured glazes, moulded in relief, circa 1880, naturalistic in style with historical references.
Doulton Lambeth
File:Doulton Lambeth Conservatory table, 18.5 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870, Indian subcontinent in style, a reminder of Empire.jpg, Doulton Lambeth Conservatory table, 18.5 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1870, Indian subcontinent in style, a reminder of Empire.
Victoria Pottery Company
Victoria Pottery
File:VPC Victoria Pottery Company Sardine Box and cover, 7.9 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880.jpg, VPC Victoria Pottery Company Sardine Box and cover, 7.9 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880.
File:VPC Victoria Pottery Company Oyster plate, 10 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880.jpg, VPC Victoria Pottery Company Oyster plate, 10 ins., coloured glazes majolica, c. 1880
File:Victoria Pottery Company Pie dish and cover, coloured glazes, c.1880.jpg, Victoria Pottery Company Pie dish and cover, coloured glazes, c.1880.
John Roth
J. Roth
File:J.R.L. John Roth of London Pot and cover, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, begonia leaf design.jpg, J.R.L. John Roth of London Pot and cover, coloured glazes majolica, c.1880, begonia leaf design.
European and American makers
Majolica from other countries is included in this article for two reasons
# The term ''
Victorian'' is occasionally used also to describe majolica made in other countries.
# European and American makers employed English immigrant technicians and copied Minton's
Victorian coloured glazes majolica process and styles.
France
APT
File:APT ware, Wall plate, c.1900, France. Coloured and mottled glazes in Palissy style.jpg, Wall plate, c.1900, coloured and mottled glazes in Palissy style.
Barbizet
File:Barbizet palissy ware wall plate.jpg, Palissy wall plate, coloured lead glazes on biscuit
A biscuit is a flour-based baked and shaped food product. In most countries biscuits are typically hard, flat, and unleavened. They are usually sweet and may be made with sugar, chocolate, icing, jam, ginger, or cinnamon. They can also be sa ...
, circa 1870
Brard
File:Brard, c.1880, France. Platter, tin-glazed. Fish, coloured glazes.jpg, Palissy majolica c.1880. Platter is opaque white tin-glazed with cobalt oxide brush-painted decoration, the applied fish are of coloured glazes majolica.
Delphin Massier
File:Delphin Massier 'Birds and Well', 13.6 ins., coloured glazes, c.1880.jpg, 'Birds and Well', 13.6 ins., coloured glazes majolique, c.1880.
File:Delphin Massier Posy Vase, 14.6 ins., coloured glazes, c.1900.jpg, Posy Vase, 14.6 ins., coloured glazes, c.1900.
File:Delphin Massier French coloured glazes majolica basket c 1900.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica basket c.1900.
Perret-Gentil
Maj2.jpg, Perret Gentil Menton coloured lead glazes majolica plate
File:Wall Plate, 9.6 ins., coloured glazes, Palissy style, Menton, France.jpg, Wall Plate, 9.6 ins., coloured glazes, Palissy style, Menton, France
Sarreguemines
La majolique
:''"A la fin des années 1870 apparaît un produit qui renforce la notoriété de Sarreguemines en Europe:la majolique.Il s’agit d’une faïence fine recouverte de glaçures colorées. Les couleurs privilégiées: le gros bleu, le bleu turquoise, le vert dit bronze. Les bibelots, « objets de fantaisie » ainsi que certaines pièces monumentales bénéficient largement de cette nouvelle technique."''
File:Sarreguemines majolica majolique partridges plaque.jpg, Coloured glazes Sarreguemines majolica partridges plaque.
File:Sarreguemines Eagles bowl 16ins.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica Eagles bowl, 16ins.
File:Sarreguemines Majolica asparagus plate.jpg, Asparagus plate, c.1880.
File:Sarreguemines Majolique Majolica makers mark.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica makers mark.
File:Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique Strawberry plate.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique Strawberry plate, c. 1880.
File:Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique 'Mardis Gras' Wall Pockets.jpg, Sarreguemines Majolica Majolique 'Mardis Gras' Wall Pockets, c.1890.
Thomas Sergent
File:Thomas Sergent Platter, c 1875, coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style.jpg, Thomas Sergent Platter, c 1875, coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style.
File:Thomas Sergent Oyster plates, c 1880, coloured glazes, Palissy style.jpg, Oyster plates, c 1880, coloured glazes, Palissy style.
Choisy le Roi
File:Choisy le Roi, Cockerel (Rooster), 14.6 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1880, France.jpg, Cockerel (Rooster), 14.6 ins., coloured glazes, c. 1880.
Boch Freres
File:Boch Freres Kermis Plate, coloured glazes, c. 1880, grapes and vine leaves pattern.jpg, Boch Freres Kermis Plate, coloured glazes, c. 1880, grapes and vine leaves pattern.
Longchamp
File:Large Longchamp majolica lobster platter 18.9 inches c 1880.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica lobster platter 18.9 inches c 1880.
File:Longchamp majolica lobsters wall platter c 1880.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica lobsters dish wall plaque c 1880.
Luneville
File:Large 22.4ins Luneville majolica marine platter c 1880.jpg, 22.4ins coloured glazes majolica marine platter c 1880.
Orchies
Nimy
Onnaing
Salins
Vallauris
Portugal
Augusta Baptista de Carvalho
File:Augusta Baptista de Carvalho Candlesticks, 9.4ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Candlesticks, 9.4ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style.
Avelena Soares
File:Avelena Soares Wall plate, 10.4 ins., coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 10.4 ins., coloured glazes, ultra-naturalistic Palissy style.
Bordalo Pinheiro
File:Bordalo Pinheiro Wall pocket, coloured glazes, c. 1888, shellfish and seaweed Palissy majolica.jpg, Wall pocket, coloured glazes, c. 1888, shellfish and seaweed Palissy majolica.
Cunha
File:Cuhna Wall plate, 11ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 11ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style.
José Francisco de Sousa
File:Jose Francisco de Sousa Wall plate, 10.4ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 10.4ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style.
File:Jose Francisco de Sousa Portuguese Palissy wall pocket c 1890.jpg, Coloured glazes palissy majolica wall pocket.
Manuel Cipriano Gomes Mafra
File:Mafra Portuguese majolica toads and pond life wall plate c 1890.jpg, Coloured glazes palissy majolica toads and pond life wall plate c.1890.
File:Mafra Portuguese majolica beetle wall decoration c 1890 3.1 inches.jpg, Coloured glazes palissy majolica beetle wall ornament c.1890 3.1 inches.
File:Mafra Ewer, cover, and stand, 13.6 ins., c.1870, ultra naturalistic Palissy majolica, Portugal.jpg, Ewer, cover, and stand, 13.6 ins., c.1870, ultra naturalistic Palissy majolica.
File:Mafra Horse Ewer, 14.6 ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Horse Ewer, 14.6 ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style.
File:Mafra Wall plate, 15.2 ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style, Portugal.jpg, Wall plate, 15.2 ins, coloured glazes, Palissy style.
Germany
Krause (Germany, now in Poland) Reichard Krause, quality German maker late 19th century, coloured majolica glazes, styles classical and naturalistic, usually with clear K/M shield makers marks.
File:Set of three Krause majolica jardinière and vases c 1890.jpg, Coloured glazes majolica jardinière and vases c 1890.
Eichwald
File:Eichwald Trinket box, 9.4ins., coloured glazes, c.1890.jpg, Trinket box, 9.4ins., coloured glazes majolica, c.1890.
Bloch, Villeroy & Boch (Luxemburg)
W S Schiller
File:Schiller Spill Vase, coloured glazes, c.1890, Germany.jpg, Spill Vase, coloured glazes, c.1890.
Austria
Hugo Lonitz
File:Majolica0419244.jpg, Lonitz, 1880, naturalistic, molded in relief, coloured glazes.
File:Lonitz Swan figure, coloured glazes majolica, c.1870.jpg, Lonitz Swan figure, coloured glazes majolica, c.1870.
File:Lonitz Cache pots and stands, coloured glazes, c.1880.jpg, Cache pots and stands, coloured glazes, c.1880.
Sweden
Gustafsberg
File:Gustafsberg Jardiniere Stand, coloured glazes, c. 1878, naturalistic with mythological theme, Sweden.jpg, Gustafsberg Jardiniere Stand, coloured glazes, c. 1878, naturalistic with mythological theme, Sweden.
File:Gustafsberg Dessert service platter, coloured glazes, c. 1880, naturalistic theme, Sweden.jpg, Gustafsberg Dessert service platter, coloured glazes, c. 1880, naturalistic theme, Sweden.
File:Lead glaze majolica Gustafsberg vase circa 1880.jpg, Coloured lead glazes majolica Gustafsberg vase circa 1880
File:Gustafsberg Bird Vases, 1887, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Bird Vases, 1887, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
File:Gustafsberg Nautilus shell Vase, 1899, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Nautilus shell Vase, 1899, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
Rörstrand
Rörstrand porcelain was one of the most famous Swedish porcelain manufacturers, with production initially at Karlbergskanalen in Birkastan in Stockholm.
History
The Rörstrand waterfront site was first documented in the 13th century, whe ...
File:Rorstrand Vases, c. 1880, Sweden. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.jpg, Vases, c. 1880. Coloured glazes, naturalistic in style.
America
Several American firms also made majolica, with the English born
Edwin Bennett producing it in
Baltimore
Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was ...
as early as the 1850s.
[Schneider 1999, p. 19] The best known are Griffin, Smith and Hill of
Phoenixville
Phoenixville is a borough in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located northwest of Philadelphia at the junction of French Creek and the Schuylkill River. It is in the Philadelphia metropolitan area. The population is 18,616 ...
, Pennsylvania, whose Etruscan majolica made from 1880 to 1890 includes compotes with dolphin supports and flower, shell, or jewel cups, a design of coral weed and seashells, and tableware with leaves and ferns. Their mark was an impressed monogram, "G.S.H.", sometimes circled and with the words "Etruscan Majolica".
Majolica was also made by Odell and Booth at
Tarrytown, New York
Tarrytown is a village in the town of Greenburgh in Westchester County, New York. It is located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, approximately north of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, and is served by a stop on the Metro-North Hud ...
, and by the Faience Manufacturing Company at Greenpoint,
Long Island
Long Island is a densely populated island in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of New York, part of the New York metropolitan area. With over 8 million people, Long Island is the most populous island in the United States and the 18th ...
, whose mark is an incised "F.M. Co." Their pottery was dipped in coloured glazes, creating a streaked or marbled effect. Majolica was made at
Evansville
Evansville is a city in, and the county seat of, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, United States. The population was 118,414 at the 2020 census, making it the state's third-most populous city after Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, the largest city in ...
, Indiana. Work from the Chesapeake Pottery in
Baltimore
Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was ...
was called Clifton Ware and was marked "Clifton Decor 'R' " with the monogram "D.F.H.".
The Arsenal Pottery of
Trenton, New Jersey
Trenton is the capital city of the U.S. state of New Jersey and the county seat of Mercer County. It was the capital of the United States from November 1 to December 24, 1784.[World's Columbian Exposition
The World's Columbian Exposition (also known as the Chicago World's Fair) was a world's fair held in Chicago in 1893 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the New World in 1492. The centerpiece of the Fair, hel ...]
, Chicago (1893)
File:111Eureka Pottery Majolica, Trenton, New Jersey.jpg, Eureka Pottery coloured glazes majolica, Trenton, New Jersey
See also
*
Majolica
In different periods of time and in different countries, the term ''majolica'' has been used for two distinct types of pottery.
Firstly, from the mid-15th century onwards, was ''maiolica'', a type of pottery reaching Italy from Spain, Majorca a ...
*
Maiolica
Maiolica is tin-glazed pottery decorated in colours on a white background. Italian maiolica dating from the Renaissance period is the most renowned. When depicting historical and mythical scenes, these works were known as ''istoriato'' wares ( ...
*
Tin-glazed pottery
Tin-glazed pottery is earthenware covered in lead glaze with added tin oxide which is white, shiny and opaque (see tin-glazing for the chemistry); usually this provides a background for brightly painted decoration. It has been important in Isl ...
Notes
References
* Arnoux, Leon, ''British Manufacturing Industries'', Gutenberg, 1877
* Karmason, Marylin J., and Stacke, Joan B., ''Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey'', 1989, Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
* Atterbury, Paul, and Batkin, Margaret, ''Dictionary of Minton'', Antique Collectors' Club, 1990.
* Katz Marks, Mariann, "The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica", Collector Books
* Schneider, M. ''Majolica''. Pennsylvania: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. 1999.
External links
"In Depth: Minton Majolica"{Dead link, date=August 2022 , bot=InternetArchiveBot , fix-attempted=yes , Mintons archive, with large range of designs online
Old and SoldThe Majolica SocietyThe Minton ArchivePotteries Museum and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
English pottery
American pottery
French pottery
Austrian pottery
Types of pottery decoration
Pottery