Identifying Italian Ceramics

Our ceramic type collection and associated database are organized around the concept of ceramic type which is a concept typically used by historical archaeologists to identify classify and compare pottery.

Identifying italian ceramics.

Maiolica is an italian earthenware with an opaque. Many of these ceramics though are difficult to identify as they were commonly marked simply with italy and a number so a picture of the piece can be an invaluable first step toward future identification. This area usually a circle shows the natural brownish orange color of the terracotta bisque. The name maiolica majolica comes from the spanish island of majorca where ships carrying lusterware from valencia stopped on their way to italy.

A free and independent directory of contemporary and historical ceramics individually selected for inclusion. Find the maker s mark. International ceramics directory italian back stamp section. By the 1500s in italy the term had broadened its meaning from lusterware to tin glazed earthenware italian maiolica was first produced around 1350.

Distinguished by brightly colored glazes and impeccable textures these pieces are truly works of art sought out by collectors all around the world. 1 turn the italian ceramic piece you re interested in upside down and make sure there is an unglazed area. The brand of italian ceramics producers all the trade marks of north east italy nove bassano vicenza caldogno cartigliano pozzoleone marostica schiavon. An exhibition of over 300 italian ceramics from the 1950s 70s from the graham cooley exhibition was open to the public at the king s lynn arts centre norfolk from 14th july until 18th august 2012 this landmark exhibition was the first time that these ceramics have been exhibited publicly together and also revealed the identity of a forgotten factory who produced a large quantity of.

However many pieces contain marks only. These are characterised by lightweight slip moulded white clay bodies and backgrounds that are either simply mottled usually in red or bear crayon like stripes. By learning to read the maker s mark on a piece of italian porcelain you can identify the china s manufacturer the history behind it and its value. Some are also covered in brown leather.

Italian made ceramics have a rich and notable background and as any midcentury enthusiast or collector may know some of the most notable work is that of the company bitossi ceramiche. The 1950s to 1970s era was a significant period in the history of italian pottery with many factories producing large numbers of inexpensive pieces for export.