These are the names used for stylistically distinct types of European pottery that are all covered in an opaque glaze made white by ashes of tin.

Right colours are lost if they are painted onto earthenware with a clear lead glaze — the earliest type widely used—since the glaze deepens the underlying clay colour. However, a primary coat of white or cream tin glaze creates a pristine surface on which other colours stand out brilliantly. The various names for tin-glazed wares from different countries reflect the historical sequence in which the technique passed from one to another. It probably originated in the Middle East some £100 years ago. The Moors in Spain introduced it to Europe and, in the 13th century, started producing what we now call Hispano-Moresque wares. In Italy, tin- glazed pottery was known as ‘maiolica’ (after the island of Majorca, from which HispanoMoresque wares were exported). The French, German and Scandinavian versions are called ‘faience’ or `fayence’ (after the Italian pottery centre of Faenza), the Dutch ‘Delft’ (a major Dutch centre), and the English ‘delftware’ (derived from the Dutch name).

Antique Collector Magazine

Questions of Identity

Tin-glazed earthenware can be spotted by the way its brittle glaze tends to chip or splinter on edges and corners. Unlike a porcelain body, the clay beneath is grainy and quite different in colour from the glaze. Few tin-glazed earthenwares more than 100 years old are unchipped, so this is easy to check. While you may confuse Dutch decoration with Chinese or Japanese, checking the actual material will soon tell you which is which. The decoration, form and rarity of tin- glazed earthenware vary greatly. HispanoMoresque chargers made for Florentine nobles in the 15th century may sell at auction for well into five figures. A mid- 18th-century English delftware blue and white plate may fetch £30-£100. Fine Italian maiolica from Urbino with Classical decoration sells for between £5000 and £50,000, even if it has been broken and stuck or riveted together. In the middle and late 18th century, competition from Chinese imports and new porcelain products seriously damaged the market for north European tin-glazes. But in Mediterranean countries the tradition continues today. For £10-£100 you can buy a souvenir that is unlikely ever to have collector’s value. For £5000-£20,000 you can acquire a dish or jug by Picasso, as accomplished as the best of his paintings.

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)
Art Painting and Decoration, Majolica, faience or delft?