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Maiolica: meaning, definitions and examples

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maiolica

 

[ maɪˈɒlɪkə ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

ceramic art

Maiolica is a type of tin-glazed pottery that originated in the Mediterranean in the late 15th century. It is characterized by its bright colors and intricate designs, often depicting scenes from mythology, daily life, or nature. This ceramic art form was especially popular in Italy, where artisans developed a variety of styles and techniques. Maiolica is notable for its use of a white glaze that creates a canvas for vibrant underglaze painting, making it distinct from other ceramic types.

Synonyms

Italian ceramics, decorative earthenware, tin-glazed pottery

Examples of usage

  • The museum has an extensive collection of maiolica pieces.
  • She admired the maiolica tiles on the wall.
  • The artisan specializes in crafting traditional maiolica pottery.

Translations

Translations of the word "maiolica" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maiolica

🇮🇳 मायोलिका

🇩🇪 Majolika

🇮🇩 maiolica

🇺🇦 майоліка

🇵🇱 majolika

🇯🇵 マジョリカ

🇫🇷 majolique

🇪🇸 mayólica

🇹🇷 majolika

🇰🇷 마욜리카

🇸🇦 مايويليكا

🇨🇿 majolika

🇸🇰 majolika

🇨🇳 马约利卡

🇸🇮 majolica

🇮🇸 majólíka

🇰🇿 майолика

🇬🇪 მაიოლიკა

🇦🇿 mayolika

🇲🇽 mayólica

Etymology

The term 'maiolica' derives from the Spanish 'mayólica', which refers to the island of Majorca where this pottery style was originally brought from. Its history can be traced back to the late 15th century, when Italian potters began adopting techniques from Islamic ceramics to create their own unique style. The use of tin glaze allowed for a broad palette of colors and intricate designs, leading to the vibrant art form we recognize today. Maiolica reached its peak during the Renaissance in Italy, when many renowned artists contributed to its development, producing exquisite pieces that catered to both domestic and international markets. The craft of maiolica has influenced various ceramic traditions, and it remains an important aspect of Italian cultural heritage.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,454, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.