Boasting a variety of functional objects including planters, tableware, and tea sets, majolica pottery is earthenware covered in a colorful tin glaze. Ancient history, exotic creatures, and agrarian imagery account for popular themes that are sure to include at least one of these five jewel tones: cobalt blue, antimony yellow, iron red, copper green, and manganese violet.
Majolica pottery finds its origin in the Italian Renaissance. Italian ceramic artists observed new Spanish imports and adopted their techniques. Molds and three-dimensional pieces were introduced during the nineteenth century, when the Minton company began producing the decorative pottery, debuted at London’s Great Exhibition in 1851. Following the Industrial Revolution, Minton hoped to capture the attention of the emerging middle class with the lively, practical earthenware pieces. Changes in tastes led to the…