Artisanal workmanship
The Art of Deruta Majolica
A journey through the four stages of Deruta ceramic production: from modeling the clay to decorating the artisanal majolica. An Umbrian ceramic tradition passed down for centuries and still preserved today in artisan workshops.
Creation of the artifact
It all begins with the earth. Deruta ceramics are born from clay, the same material used for centuries in the Umbrian artisanal majolica tradition. It is here that the first steps in ceramic making take shape, still today entrusted to the skill of the hand.
The clay used in the Deruta tradition is carefully selected and worked to achieve the right plasticity, a fundamental quality in artisanal ceramics. The first phase is shaping, which can be done using different techniques depending on the shape to be created. The potter's wheel is the primary tool for symmetrical plates, bowls, and vases. The coiling technique allows the piece to be built progressively, ideal for more irregular shapes. For repetitive pieces, plaster molds are used.
Once shaped, the piece is left to dry slowly in the air. This step is essential in the production of Deruta majolica, as drying too quickly can generate internal stresses and cause cracks or breakages. Depending on the thickness, drying takes from one to several days.
- Raw worked clay with controlled humidity between 20% and 25%
- Techniques: potter's wheel, coiling, slab, casting in plaster mold
- Drying time: 24–72 hours at room temperature (18–22°C)
- Drying shrinkage: approximately 8–12% of original size
- Visual and manual inspection to detect cracks or deformations before firing
First firing
The first firing, called biscuit firing, is a crucial stage in the production of Deruta ceramics. At this point, the raw clay transforms into a porous and resistant terracotta, ready to receive glazes and decorations.
The kiln is carefully loaded, arranging the pieces to ensure uniform heat circulation. The firing curve is precisely programmed: the initial temperature rise is slow, approximately 80–100°C per hour, to eliminate residual moisture. Above 500°C, the quartz transformation occurs. Between 900° and 1020°C, the particles sinter and give rise to the ceramic biscuit structure.
Cooling is also essential. Cooling too quickly can cause internal stresses and invisible defects. After this firing, the piece appears opaque, absorbent, and technically ready to receive the white glaze that characterizes Deruta artistic ceramics.
- Maximum temperature: 980–1020°C (oxidizing firing)
- Full cycle duration: approximately 24 hours including cooling
- Additional shrinkage during firing: 3–6% compared to the dried piece
- The resulting biscuit is porous (15–25% porosity), ideal for absorbing the glaze
- Manual post-firing selection: elimination of pieces with deformations or cracks
Glazing and decoration
Hand decoration is the defining characteristic of Deruta majolica. It's the moment when the material transforms into a visual language and Umbrian artisanal ceramics reveal their most recognizable character.
The process begins with base glazing: the biscuit is dipped or coated with a white glaze that creates the opaque, luminous base typical of majolica. It is on this surface that the brush decoration is developed, one of the most distinctive features of Deruta majolica, famous for its Renaissance motifs.
Painting is done directly on the absorbent glaze, without the possibility of correction. The pigments are derived from finely ground metal oxides: cobalt for blues, copper for greens, manganese for browns, iron for ochres. Traditional decorations include the Raphaelesque, the grotesque, quartered motifs, stylized flowers, and ceremonial portrait plates.
- Base glaze: tin or zirconium frits diluted in water, density controlled with hydrometer
- Pigments: pure metal oxides (Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, Sb, Cr) dry ground
- Brushes: fine-tipped for details, softer brushes for fills
- The raw color appears dull: cobalt blue appears gray before firing
- Traditional motifs: Raphaelesque, grotesque, quartered, stylized flowers, portrait plates
Second firing
The second firing is the moment of final revelation. The glaze melts, the colors brighten, and the surface of the Deruta majolica becomes solid, luminous, and definitive.
The decorated piece is placed in the kiln with absolute precision. During this phase, the glaze reaches fusion, and the pieces must not come into contact with each other or the refractory material. They are placed on specific supports capable of holding the piece without compromising the final surface.
Between 700° and 900°C, the glaze gradually transforms from opaque powder to a glassy coating. The oxide pigments chemically combine with the glaze matrix and create the final color. This is why artisanal Italian majolica has a stable, durable, and long-lasting coating rather than a simple surface color.
- Glaze melting point: 950–1020°C (oxidizing firing)
- Full cycle duration: approximately 24 hours including controlled cooling
- The final surface is waterproof and suitable for everyday use
- Final quality control: visual inspection for bubbles, glaze cracks or color defects
- Average waste rate for an experienced craftsman: 5–15% between first and second firing