Introduction

This information is mainly for someone interested in making food-safe "period" maiolica to use at Renaissance re-enactment events as "feast gear". This information is provided as a supplement to the Materials and Supplies list.

Product Information

The Hobby Colorobbia Company of Montelupo Italy exports to the United States food safe glazes for creating maiolica ceramics.  These colors closely approximate the colors used during the Renaissance.  Materials used during the Renaissance frequently contained lead and other toxins. The products sold in the United States are sold in a liquid form as Bisque Stroke Underglazes.  There are fewer colors available in the United States then are sold to the commercial ceramic industry in Italy.  The commercial Italian ceramic industry also uses a different product line from Colorobbia that is sold as powdered pigments.

Early Period -- 12th to 14th century

There were only a couple of colors available for early maiolica.  Color substitution was done on heraldry during this time period.

Late Period -- Appropriate for 1450-1600 AD

Outlining is frequently done with dark blue during this period.  Manganese is also used for outlining.  The Manganese available in the United States is a lighter color than the Manganese in Italy.  It is traditionally more of a brown-black color.  The outlines in images of historic maiolica may look black but they are often actually Manganese.  Royal Blue is a richer deeper blue than Celestial Blue.  Celestial Blue is easier to shade with.  There are two different yellows available from Colorobbia, but they are very similar and almost interchangeable. Cherry Red was not an available color during the Renaissance.  The red in use was more of an orangey red.  The deeper red seen on historic maiolica is usually a metallic luster requiring a special third firing.

Copper Green HC 0440	Manganese HC 0448	Celestial Blue HC 0435	Bright Yellow HC 0428	Orange HC 0414
Tangerine Red HC 0451	Light Brown HC 0425	Royal Blue HC 0434	Dark Brown HC 0452

Other Useful Colors

Black is sometimes required for modern heraldry since the available Manganese is more of a brown than a black.  A color similar to the Intensive Blue is sometimes used in historic pieces from Montelupo.  Grape is appropriate for modern heraldry requiring purple.  Light Red can be used as a second coat on top of yellow to create a more traditional red color.  This is type of layering of colors can be seen in pieces made by the modern Italian maiolica industry.

Black HC 0437	Intensive Blue HC 0436	Grape HC 0455	Light Red HC 0419

Substitute Greens

The Copper Green underglaze can be a challenge to use because it is black before it is fired.  There are a couple of other greens that can be substituted for the Copper Green.