Italian pottery has a long and colorful history. The combination
of earth, water, and fire provide the key components for the structural
elements. Clay and water are mixed to form a consistency that can be
used on a potters wheel. This is where the clay is formed into the shape
of what will be the finished product. After a period of drying time,
the pieces are then fired to produce the required hardness. Glazes
composed of metal oxides are used to provide the colors. A second firing
hardens the glazes of the finished product. This process of producing
pottery is a tradition that dates back 1100 years.
Although tin glazed earthenware has its origins in 9th century Middle East, the country of Italy is most well known for it in modern times. Maiolica, pronounced (ma-ya-li-ca), refers to much of the pottery produced in central Italy. It is commonly referred to as majolica these days. It is known as Italian pottery, Italian ceramics, and Italian dinnerware. Although many decorative pieces are also produced just for their ornamental beauty.
Maiolica was first introduced to Italy by the Spanish Moors in the 13th century through the isle of Majorca. The Italians began making pottery using this process with their own artistic style and creativity. And so began the colorful history of this pottery. The use of metal oxides for color increased using manganese for purple, copper for green, iron oxide for orange, cobalt for blue, and antimony for yellow. In the centuries to follow, the making of this beautiful pottery and ceramics spread through many regions of Italy.
As the production of Italian ceramics became more refined and increased, it became an important industry. It was no longer just for local use. By the late 1400's, a group of twenty three potters in Montelupo began producing and selling Italian ceramics. Montelupo has always been a center for artistic creativity. During the 15th and 16th centuries Montelupo and Deruta became two of the main producers of maiolica Italian pottery. They continue to produce very beautiful and artistic Italian pottery and Italian ceramics in workshops and studios throughout the region. This Italian pottery is sold worldwide.
The International Ceramics Festival is an annual event held every June in the streets of the historical town of Montelupo. This is a celebration of Italian ceramics both past and present. Montelupo is the ideal place for the Museum of Ceramics. The Museo di Montelupo preserves the rich history of Italian pottery, and honors select artisans for their artistic contributions. With it's rich history and continued artistic activity, we can all appreciate and enjoy Italian pottery.
Although tin glazed earthenware has its origins in 9th century Middle East, the country of Italy is most well known for it in modern times. Maiolica, pronounced (ma-ya-li-ca), refers to much of the pottery produced in central Italy. It is commonly referred to as majolica these days. It is known as Italian pottery, Italian ceramics, and Italian dinnerware. Although many decorative pieces are also produced just for their ornamental beauty.
Maiolica was first introduced to Italy by the Spanish Moors in the 13th century through the isle of Majorca. The Italians began making pottery using this process with their own artistic style and creativity. And so began the colorful history of this pottery. The use of metal oxides for color increased using manganese for purple, copper for green, iron oxide for orange, cobalt for blue, and antimony for yellow. In the centuries to follow, the making of this beautiful pottery and ceramics spread through many regions of Italy.
As the production of Italian ceramics became more refined and increased, it became an important industry. It was no longer just for local use. By the late 1400's, a group of twenty three potters in Montelupo began producing and selling Italian ceramics. Montelupo has always been a center for artistic creativity. During the 15th and 16th centuries Montelupo and Deruta became two of the main producers of maiolica Italian pottery. They continue to produce very beautiful and artistic Italian pottery and Italian ceramics in workshops and studios throughout the region. This Italian pottery is sold worldwide.
The International Ceramics Festival is an annual event held every June in the streets of the historical town of Montelupo. This is a celebration of Italian ceramics both past and present. Montelupo is the ideal place for the Museum of Ceramics. The Museo di Montelupo preserves the rich history of Italian pottery, and honors select artisans for their artistic contributions. With it's rich history and continued artistic activity, we can all appreciate and enjoy Italian pottery.
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