22 May 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

Some ideas for unique Christmas gifts, made in Italy by master craftsmen

Town centres are lit up, shop windows are full of colour and homes are festively decorated. Christmas is now in the air, so are you looking for ideas for a Made in Italy Christmas gift?

Find out more

21 November 2023

The ceramic nativity scene: an ancient art immune to the passage of time

Even today, where mass production seems to prevail over everything, there is one form of ancient art that continues to shine for its beauty and authenticity, and that is the white ceramic nativity scene.

Find out more

17 October 2023

From majolica vases to ceramic sugar bowls, five tips for enhancing your table with artistic majolica

Savour your special moments by enhancing your table with the elegance and style of Made in Italy artistic majolica.

Find out more

18 September 2023

Italian majolica: the hand-crafted ceramics of great modern artists

Art and ceramics merge together on a journey through the modern era of Italian majolica that embraces tradition, innovation and artistic collaboration.

Find out more

25 July 2023

Ceramic party favours: a refined keepsake of your most important moments

With ceramic and personalised majolica wedding favours, every event that is special to you can become unique and deeply sought-after.

Find out more

18 April 2023

Ceramic wedding favours: a unique and precious gift to amaze your guests

If you are looking for a precious and exclusive gift for your loved ones, ceramic wedding favours are the ideal choice that will live up to your expectations and your big day.

Find out more

27 March 2023

Let’s clarify the difference between ceramics, majolica and porcelain

We explain the differences between three materials that are only apparently very similar and which we often tend to confuse in everyday language.

Find out more

21 February 2023

Collectable ceramics: the unmistakeable profiles of our porcelain Damine.

Collectable ceramics are precious items, created by artists or producers specialised in the craft processing of artefacts that stand out for their aesthetic, cultural and artistic value.

Find out more