Antiquaresoffers to value your antique majolica.
We are members of the AAI, Italian Antiquarian Association, and we have been operating with passion in this sector for over fifteen years.
If you have antique majolica that you would like us to evaluate please do not hesitate to contact us at the following phone number: 392 6587032, or send us photographs to the following email address: antiquares@virgilio.it, please be sure to include any information you might have about the object. You can also fill in the appropriate form
We remain at your disposal for any clarifications, guaranteeing maximum discretion and trustworthiness.
History of Majolica
Majolica is characterized by a porous ceramic body that is often coated with a tin based enamel. It was originally used to make objects that adorned the homes of the rich, such as carafes, plates, and colored containers of various kinds.
Majolica was widespread in the Mediterranean with it’s hot climate and dry earth. The markets in Majorca were the first to sell these artifacts, which had a rather elaborate and typical style.
Through the centuries this style underwent various evolutions. The techniques learned during the Renaissance and the export of Chinese artifacts contributed to the change in taste.
In France, majolica was called “faïence” in honor of Faenza, one of the most productive Italian cities. Faenza was a City-state, run by the Della Rovere family. The most productive shop in Faenza was that of Count Fermiani.
The Italian production of Majolica was not only limited to Faenza: both along the Arno river in Tuscany and the Tiber, other centers of production developed. Important was the majolica from Deruta that bloomed in the 1600s, but also that of other Umbrian towns such as GualdoTadino and Gubbio, well known for their production of majolica that was both prized and very colorful, finished with varnishes that were similar to ruby and gold.
In Tuscany notorious was the majolica from Sesto Fiorentino, Florence and MontelupoFiorentino, where the artisans, with their taste and flair, found fertile ground to produce (and export) majolica. Some of these pieces are exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in London.