majolica

Definition

Earthenware decorated with coloured lead silicate glazes applied directly to an unglazed body.

Etymology

From Italian maiolica, named after the Island of Mallorca (formerly known as Maiolica), which was once a commerce center for work produced in Valencia, Spain. Doublet of Mallorca and Majorca.

Example Sentences

• "The Italian Vase [top, left, p.8] is Majolica, […] The Ewer [bottom, middle, p.8] is a Palissy vase."
• "1877, Leon Arnoux, Director, Minton & Co., British Manufacturing Industries POTTERY, page #:42 https://archive.org/stream/britishmanufact08goog#page/n56/mode/2up/search/palissy Majolica was produced for the first time by Messrs. Minton, in 1850, and they have been for many years the only producers of this article. The name of majolica is now applied indiscriminately to all fancy articles of coloured pottery. When, however, it is decorated by means of coloured glazes, if these are transparent, it ought to be called Palissy ware […]"
• "[Minton] employed no less than 1500. The various branches he developed were earthenware and ordinary soft porcelain, hard porcelain, parian, coloured and enamelled tiles, mosaics, Della Robbia ware, majolica, and Palissy ware."