Description:
Beautiful Majolica chandelier, early 1900s. Repaired on one arm. Majolica is a soft earthenware ceramic, fired to the "biscuit" or unglazed stage at approximately 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the plaster of Paris molds are removed, the resulting form is then covered with a coat of an opaque lead glaze. Later, when this has set or dried, the brightly colored metal oxide glazes are added on top of this first lead glaze coating. When fired for the second time, this time at 750 degrees, the interaction of the water which remained in the biscuit form, the opaque lead glaze and the final metal oxide glazes interact in the kiln to create the deep and brilliant translucent color specific to majolica. It is this glaze, the tremendous variety of whimsical forms, and the intense colors of majolica that make this ceramic stand apart from other wares and delight collectors.

Sale Price: $6,500

Period: 20th Century

Depth / Diameter: 30"

Height: 20"

Condition: Very good; consistent with age