Photo of Cephalus Killing Procris - Public domain dedication

Maiolica ceramics was first developed around 1370 in the Italian regions of Tuscany and Umbria with a refined , white glaze which occurred due to the presence of tin oxide, causing a fine white ash. One of the most appealing styles of pottery ever produced, the tin-glazed pottery was made in Italy during the Renaissance (1300-1700). The early designs dated between 1440 and 1540 were influenced by the pottery imported from Islamic North Africa. After the first firing, the bisque is dipped into a bath of fast drying liquid glaze. When dry, the glazed piece is ready to be hand painted. A final firing at a high temperature about 1690 F makes the glaze interact with the metal oxides in the paint to create brilliant translucent colors.