Summary

Italian majolica tin-glazed charger with an Islamic-inspired design, manufactured in Rome by Torquato Castellani, circa 1880.

Majolica, or maiolica ware is a term traditionally applied to a type of tin-glazed earthenware, popular in Italy during the Renaissance. The term is now more broadly applied to any form of tin-glazed ceramic ware influenced by the original Italian majolica and was considered highly collectable in the late nineteenth century.

The technique developed in the Middle East during the 9th century, befored spreading arcoss the Mediterranean, from Spain into Italy, via the island Majorca, from where the Italian term for this style of ceramic derives.

The earthenware object is first fired at a relatively low temperature before being dipped into a fast-drying glazek, which provides the warm, white background colour onto which the later designs are painted. Once this initial base glaze is dried, the design is painted in tin-based glazes and subsequently fired a second time at a higher temperature, producing the deep, rich colours so typical of this style of ceramic.

Olga and Torquato Castellani were active in the late 19th century. It is claimed they developed modern production techniques. This is shown in the way this charger was manufactured. Created from a mould, the decoration was transfer printed, then over painted by hand. This approach in effect enabled the Castellani workshop to mass produce their work.

Physical Description

Earthenware charger, the centre painted with two stylised horses and flowers in cream and faun. The blue rim painted with green leaves around blue, red and white flowers. Iznic style.

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