Where do the ceramics originate from?

The ceramics and tiles bought by Ceramica D’Arte are largely ‘maiolica’ ceramics, characteristic of Sicily.
The word ‘maiolica’ is the name given to the ceramics made in the southern Mediterranean countries – Italy, Portugal and Spain, originating back to the 1600’s. This type of ceramic is characterised by the brightly coloured painted decoration – blues, greens and yellow - on a white background.

What is the process of making ‘maiolica’ ceramics and tiles?

The clay found in each region of the world is unique. Sicilian clay, used in terra cotta earthenware is different from the clay of Mexico or Mongolia because it contains a combination of silicates unique to Sicily. This clay, freshly mined from the Sicilian mountains and valleys, is moulded by hand and then left to dry under the sun.

In the first stage of the process, the tile or ceramic is then given a first, ‘biscuit’, firing. After this first firing, the ceramic is dry and porous. It is then ready to be glazed and is either coated with or dipped into a special liquid tin glaze characterised by it’s added oxide (ashes). This glaze leaves a matt white layer on the surface of the ceramic, concealing the colour of the clay beneath.

The ceramic is then ready to be painted as the glaze provides a clean white surface on which the artist can paint using coloured glazes made from specific metals (blue – cobalt, yellow – antimony, red – iron, green – copper, purple – manganese). Once painted onto the white surface, the metallic paints look dull – pale shades of blue, grey and brown. The ceramics are then put through a hot glaze firing, and when they emerge from the oven are transformed to vibrant shades of blue, yellow, green and purple.

 How is the ‘cracked’ effect on some of the products achieved?

Some of the products are finished with a process known in Italy as ‘Tre Cle’ to make the newly made products look aged. When the ceramics come out of the oven from the final firing process and they have cooled down, a liquid substance known as ‘mordente’ is applied to the surface of the ceramic with a sponge and then washed away with water, leaving the ceramic with a superficial ‘cracked’ effect on the surface. This gives the ceramic a unique character and transforms the ceramic from the new to the old.

  How do I know if the ceramics are safe for use with food?

As part of our commitment to quality, Ceramica D'Arte Limited ensures that all the ceramic products imported are labelled clearly if they are not suitable for use with food/drink. Samples of the ceramics which are sold for use with food/drink, e.g. dinner plates, cups, teapots, condiment holders etc, are tested to ensure they conform to the British Standard BS6748:1986.

  Where can you see the ceramics?

Ceramica D’arte Limited is based in Finchley, North London. As many of our products are made to order, we don’t have a show room. However, there are many ways you can see the products:

Firstly, we hope that our website provides you with all the information you need to make informed purchases. We will publish all our forthcoming events on the site as well as posting details of special offers and new products. You can order products on-line, and one of our team will contact you to confirm the details of your order and to arrange payment and delivery.

We exhibit our products at a number of shows throughout the year. For more information on forthcoming events please check our Forthcoming Events page.

Finally, if you would like to see some samples of our products, and are unable to come along to one of the shows we will be exhibiting at, or your would like to discuss your requirements with us, please do give us a call and we will try to help in any way we can.