There have been many different suggestions made regarding what the word “majolica” means in its current usage. The history of majolica, or tin-glazed pottery, is intricate and influenced by many different cultures and artistic movements.
The island of Majorca.
It is generally agreed upon that the method of tin-glazing pottery was pioneered in the Islamic world, more specifically in the region of Mesopotamia (which is now part of Iraq) during the 9th century. The Kingdom of Aragon was in charge of the island of Majorca at the time, and it quickly became a significant hub for the manufacture and export of tin-glazed pottery. Hispano-Moroccan potters who had settled on the island made this pottery, which came to be known as "majolica." These potters were most likely influenced by Islamic, Hispano-Moroccan, and local Spanish and Italian artistic traditions, as well as pottery traditions. It is thought that Hispano-Moroccan potters then brought the technique of tin-glazed pottery to Italy.
Hispanic phrase "obra de Mallegua"
"Maiolica" may have come from the phrase "obra de Mallegua," referring to the lustreware produced in Valencia during the 15th century. Lustreware was coated with a metallic glaze and fired at low temperatures, resulting in a highly reflective surface with intricate designs. Valencian lustreware was highly sought after in Italy and northern Europe, and Italian potters were influenced by the techniques and designs of Valencian potters, as evidenced by the similarities between Valencian and Maiolica pottery. This is evidenced by the similarities between the designs on Valencian and Maiolica pottery. Therefore, it is possible that the name "Maiolica" originated from the Hispanic phrase "obrade Mallegua," which referred to the lustreware produced in Valencia.
Tin-glazed earthenware
Although the term "Maiolica" may have originated from Valencian lustreware, it was popularized by the Italians and became associated with their unique style of tin-glazed pottery. The term came to be associated with the vibrantly coloured, high-quality pottery produced in cities such as Faenza, Deruta, and Gubbio, which were renowned also for their skilled artisans and innovative designs.
Universal terminology
Despite the uncertain roots of the term "maiolica," it is noteworthy that the label "majolica" was not uniformly applied throughout Europe in that era. In Spain, for instance, tin-glazed pottery was referred to as "loza," while in France it was called "faience." Nevertheless, "majolica" has come to be closely associated with Italian tin-glazed pottery and remains the term used to characterize this exceptional and intricately made artwork produced by adept craftsmen throughout Italy.