Manufacturing of the shape and first firing.
To make "biscotto" terracotta, the clay artefact is dried and fired at 980 °C (biscuit). Majolica is made by throwing or moulding clay into the desired shape and drying it before firing it in a kiln at 980 °C. "Bisque firing" hardens the clay and removes moisture, making it more stable for glazing and decoration.
Immersion sprinkling on majolica (a background white glaze)
Immersion or sprinkling implement majolica glaze. The glaze is applied as a liquid and dries into a glossy surface. The object is delicate during glazing since the glaze is still wet and easily damaged.
"Spolvero" designs and manufactures.
After firing, the glaze can be decorated with traditional patterns. First, create a "spolvero," or design guide. The "spolvero" is made by drawing the decorative pattern on transparent paper and piercing holes along the lines with a thin needle. After carefully positioning the "spolvero" on the glazed object, charcoal powder is passed over the paper to transfer the design to the glaze.
The artist can use this guide to paint the final decoration. The charcoal powder's carbon residue disappears during kiln firing, leaving the finished design. Many majolica artists use this traditional technique to create "spolvero" for precise decoration.
Brush decoration
Majolica colours are usually oxides of metals or minerals mixed with water. The artist carefully applies vibrant colours to the glaze. Some of these colours change at high temperatures, so the artist must know how they will react in the kiln. The artist carefully follows the "spolvero," or guide, to draw the design contours with very fine brushes.
The artist layers colour over the contours. Understanding colour dilution and thickness is a major challenge. When fired, thick colours may crack or peel off, while thin colours may not adhere to the glaze. The artist must be skilled and experienced to achieve this effect.
The spraying of crystalline Majolica.The spraying of crystalline Majolica.
This transparent, glassy substance is sprayed or brushed on. The final firing melts and fuses the crystalline glaze to the object, creating a bright, lustrous finish that is typical of many ceramics, including majolica.
Crystalline glazes can give objects a unique and striking appearance, making them popular in decorative and artistic pieces. Crystalline glazes are fired at high temperatures like the Gran Fuoco technique, but the exact temperature and time depend on the glaze and desired effect.
The second "gran fuoco" firing.
This second firing at 930°C fuses the glaze to the object and makes it more durable. For this firing, the glaze or crystalline must not touch the walls or base of the kiln or the object will stick.
The firing process takes 12 hours to reach the desired temperature and 12 hours to cool the kiln to a safe opening temperature. To avoid cracking or damage, the firing temperature must rise and fall slowly. High-fire majolica plates and bowls are more durable and utilitarian.
