Faenza majolica

Faenza majolica

Tin-glazed earthenware produced in the Italian city of Faenza from the late 14th century. Early Faenza jugs were decorated in green and purple with Gothic lettering and heraldic lions; the first major majolica piece is a wall plaque dated 1475. In the 15th century, Renaissance motifs appeared in dark blue, rich orange, and copper-green; vases with a peacock-feather design and a globular two-handled jar are characteristic of Faenza. The factory's most outstanding wares date from the late 15th to the mid-16th century. See also faience.