Whether you are searching for kitchen essentials or intriguing pieces, your local thrift store is an excellent place to find amazing antique treasures at reasonable prices. By simply walking through the aisles, you can discover a plethora of valuable items that can be worth a lot. One distinct, centuries-old kitchen piece that you should not overlook at thrift stores is majolica pottery.
This category of kitchenware is characterized by tin-glazed pottery that often features a purposeful overarching and exaggerated design or narrative, including elements of natural and Victorian history, exotic creatures, and agricultural imagery. Majolica items are typically tableware such as platters, planters, tea sets, and jugs, showcasing its hallmark colors of manganese purple, cobalt blue, antimony yellow, copper green, and iron red. Surprisingly, majolica kitchenware is still in production today. Originating in the 15th century, this vibrant pottery was imported from Spain to Italy and continued to spread across Europe, eventually becoming a phenomenon in England during the Victorian era. It also reached the U.S. and Australia. However, by the late 1800s, the popularity of this coveted dishware declined, only to see renewed interest with the modern fascination for Victorian-era and antique items. When you come across an older piece, it’s essential to determine its authenticity and how to incorporate it into your home decor.
How to Spot an Authentic Majolica Find
Not every piece of majolica will be worth hundreds of dollars, such as the lobster platters. Therefore, when searching for valuable pieces, it’s important to know how to authenticate your recent thrift store find. Key indicators include quality, condition, markings, glaze color, weight, and undersurface. Primarily, examine the quality and condition of your majolica piece. Newer items won’t have the intricate details and sharp paintings of older versions. When you discover an antique piece, assess its condition to ensure there are no large cracks or chips and that the glaze is not dull.
During further inspection, look for any brand markings and the glaze color. Although not all pottery pieces will have markings, especially those from smaller manufacturers or significantly older ones, most large and renowned companies stamped their products. Many contemporary versions lack markers or feature a British diamond logo. Glazes on an older piece will have more precision and richer hues, whereas modern ones may appear messier. Lastly, consider the weight and undersurface. An antique piece will feel hefty, while reproductions are noticeably lighter. Check the undersurface for other colors like pink, blue, or green. You should find any color other than white, as it’s the contemporary standard for these pieces.
How to Style Majolica Pottery in Your Home
While you can earn a significant amount from many antique majolica products, it doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate them stylishly into your own décor. There are numerous ways to decorate with pottery in your home, such as displaying it on a shelf, wall, or cabinet, or even using it as a centerpiece. Due to the eye-catching colors of majolica pottery, it’s understandable why you’d want to showcase these pieces in your home. A simple way to do this is by using them as kitchen or dining room décor. Pieces like platters and plates may require brackets or stands to keep them upright so their full beauty is visible. You can also create a quirky gallery wall with a narrative by pairing it with other vintage or colorful finds, or use pieces to frame a mirror.
To create a vibrant, bold effect, you can easily transform your antique majolica find into a table centerpiece. Keep it simple by displaying the item alone, or add other decorative elements to elevate its impact. Create a themed table setting by pairing it with contemporary majolica items like plates and vases. Some people even employ this eclectic décor in other parts of their homes as a unique statement piece to complement their existing interior design, either by hanging it on the wall or placing it on a side table.
