List of Types of Earthenware Pots

Majolica Earthenware

• Majolica earthenware is known for its bright, colorful patterns. The style originated on the Spanish island of Majorca and was imported to Italy where it took root in the 15th and 16th centuries. In some ways, the techniques used are similar to those employed for Dutch delftware and French faience earthenware. The surface of Majolica earthenware features a thick white tin glaze that is bisque fired before being painted with colored pigments. The items are then fire glazed so the colors penetrate the tin glaze's surface, creating a clear and precise pattern is clear that is permanently imprinted on the pottery.

Delft Earthenware

• Delft earthenware is usually identified by its classic blue and white patterns. The style originated in Holland near the end of the 16th century as a less expensive alternative to blue and white porcelain made in China. Like Majolica earthenware, delftware is covered in a tin glaze that creates a white finish. The trademark blue pattern is hand-painted on the white glazed surface using metal oxides to give the pottery its distinctive look. Once the pattern is complete, the pottery is coated with a clear ceramic glaze to provide a smooth, shiny surface.

Terra Cotta

• With its distinctive reddish-brown color, terra cotta is perhaps the best-known type of earthenware. It is an unglazed variety and has a rustic, natural look. The clay mixture used to make terra cotta is rich in iron oxide, which is responsible for the pottery's reddish color. Because it is unglazed and does not require as many firings as other types of earthenware, terra cotta is usually the most budget-friendly option. It is often used for flower pots, roofing tiles, bricks, coiling and sculptures.

Faience Earthenware

• Faience earthenware is another type of earthenware that features a tin glaze. It originated in the French town of Faenza, but was also produced in Spain and Germany. Unglazed pottery is fired in a kiln, and treated with a lead-based tin glaze that forms an opaque, white finish for the pottery. Like delftware and majolica earthenware, patterns are painted on the surface and the pottery is fired for a second a time. Colors are often limited because only pigments that can survive extremely high temperature may be used.