Tin-glazing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tin-glazing is the process of giving ceramic items a tin-based glaze.

Tin glazes, normally fired on earthenware, were invented by the Assyrians three thousand years ago. Tin glazes are superior to lead-based glazes because they are less easily fused than lead glazes, making them less likely to run during firing. Additionally, since the tin particles reflect light, the tin glaze has a more opaque, whiter surface than lead white glaze, making the colored decoration appear more brilliant.

Tin-glazed ware became very popular from the 8th century, and spread through Spain in the 12th century as Islamic ware before becoming an integral part of Italian maiolica ceramic technique.

[edit] References

• “A Guide To Looking At Italian Ceramics” by David Harris Cohen and Catherine Hess, J. Paul Getty Museum in association with British Museum Press, 1993