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22 Maggio 2023

From a lump of clay to hand-decorated majolica: a story of Made in Italy passion

When we talk about hand-decorated ceramics and majolica, we cannot help but recall that this is one of the oldest materials in the world. Working with clay, in fact, has very ancient origins. It has followed the evolution of man and technological progress from the Neolithic to today, and has always been used, not only to create utensils, but also as a form of artistic and decorative expression. 
Today, transforming clay into fine porcelains and hand-decorated majolica is a byword for Italian culture around the world. It is a level of excellence that has been shaped by both great artists who have made history and craft skills that have been handed down over generations. And if the tradition of turning clay into an attractive ornament is an Italian prerogative, the history of artistic majolica passes through Imola. Here, the ancient art of hand-painted majolica is still a reality and preserves the values of attention to detail and pure craftsmanship that accompany the age-old techniques of the master potters.
 

Artistic majolica: combining tradition and contemporary style 

Now, the prestige and ancient origins of hand-decorated ceramics and majolica can once again be enjoyed tables all over the world thanks to Imolarte dinner services and other functional and ornamental design icons of extremely fine workmanship. The all-Italian essence of painstaking craftsmanship and the value of the materials and processes can be seen at every stage in the creation of these items, from their design to their production. Today, just as in the past, lumps of clay are formed into biscuits or bisques, which are then glazed and decorated, ready to become exclusive hand-painted majolica pieces.
Some of the refined Imola decorations that represent the excellence of Italian artistic majolica in terms of both history and quality, include:
  • Mazzetto, an elegant composition of flowers with multiple light and lively colours on a white background;
  • Garofano Imola, characterised by oriental motifs and a wide and bright colour range;
  • Garofano Blu, an elegant and modern reinterpretation in just three shades of blue, inspired by the genius of Gio Ponti;
  • Giallo Fiore, a sumptuous, but rigorously simple reproduction of a red flower on a bright yellow background;
  • Bianco Fiore, a more delicate and versatile variant of the previous model that enhances the item’s main motif and forms.
Categories:
Ceramics
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