The New Maiolica

The practice of tin glaze spans thousands of years of history, from its inception in Mesopotamia, through its flowering in Islamic culture, its brilliant heyday during the Italian Renaissance, and its current active revival around the world. It has always been a medium both varied and expressive that has inspired ceramists and artists alike over the centuries to ply their brushes in an exuberance of painted decoration and narrative. Within the field of ceramics, maiolica, with its stable color-holding glaze surface, is unique as a medium--indeed, it has been called a painter's medium. The New Maiolica is conceived by Matthias Ostermann as a workshop in print, guiding the reader progressively through some of the conceptual, material, and technical concerns that inform this versatile and compelling medium. The work of more than fifty international ceramists is shown, giving evidence to the great variety of contemporary expression in tin glaze. There is also an examination of the problems that can occur in maiolica production, and suggested solutions, followed by a list of recommended reading, with food for philosophical, aesthetic, and technical thought.

Matthias Ostermann has been a practicing ceramist since 1974 and has exhibited internationally. His work can be found in such permanent collections as the Baden-Wurtenbergisches Landesmuseum in Germany, the Canadian Clay and Glass Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He resides in Toronto.