IT/ ES/ PT
Collection 2
Italy (IT)/ Spain (ES)/ Portugal (PT)
Italy
Italy has a rich ceramics tradition dating back to around 1350 with the development of majolica - tin-glazed pottery with an opaque white tin oxide glaze. The technique originated in 9th-century Baghdad and Mesopotamia, reaching Italy in the 13th century via traders passing through the island of Majorca. During the Renaissance, Italian majolica reached its artistic peak, initially with limited colors – white with manganese (brown) and copper (green) glaze designs. Different regions developed their own styles, such as Abruzzo which became known for its majolica tradition. Its roots go back to the Etruscans and Romans, but were enriched by Byzantine and Arabic influences.
The Italian piggy banks are notorious for their ears. Often already broken before you take them home. The piggy banks are available in 9 to 12 cm and 13,5 to 21 cm. Most piggy banks have the inscription "Italy" on the belly. But even when they are not hallmarked it is possible to clearly identify these kind of piggy banks as Italian.
Spain
Spanish ceramics were deeply influenced by Islamic rule from the 8th to 15th centuries, when Moorish potters introduced glazing techniques and intricate decorative patterns. Spanish pottery possessed a unique iridescent luster and reached its peak in the 14th-15th centuries. The Royal Ceramics Factory of Alcora (Castellón) became famous in the 18th century for its carefully painted and decorated wares in blue-white and polychrome faience. Granada developed the Fajalauza tradition – tin-glazed, hand-painted pottery dating back to the 16th century. In the 16th century, Spain lost its prominence to Italian pottery styles, although production continued near Toledo.
A lot of pottery, with the same technology as tiles, was exported from Spain to Italy and a pottery industry flourished there too. From there many Italian potters went to Antwerp where tiles with ornamental patterns in various colours were made. From Antwerp the tile art spread to the Netherlands and further.
In the section "particular banks -promo/souvenir" you already have seen some piggy banks of the Canary Islands and Majorca (both part of Spain). Here are some examples from the "mainland".
In the section "particular banks -promo/souvenir" you already have seen some piggy banks of the Canary Islands and Majorca (both part of Spain). Here are some examples from the "mainland".
Portugal
Portugal is especially famous for its azulejos (ceramic tiles) which date back to the 13th century when the Moors invaded the Iberian Peninsula. No other country has used ceramic tiles as extensively and consistently as Portugal. The first azulejos date from the 16th century, according to a technique learned in Morocco after the conquest of Ceuta. One of the most important ceramic discoveries in Europe was made in Portugal in the 15th century, when the Portuguese began importing Chinese porcelain. The tradition of Coimbra ceramics dates back to the 16th century, with monochrome cobalt blue tones complemented by vibrant colours such as yellow, green and ochre. Portugal between the regions of Nazaré and Alcobaça became a traditional region for decorative and artistic ceramics, with origins from the time of the Cistercian monks.
There are many types of pottery in Portugal, from traditional to modern. Red clay is often used as the basis. Portuguese potteries work in the traditional way, with great care for the finish, the colours and the designs. Throughout the country you will be surprised by tile panels on buildings and in old train stations. The Portuguese call these decorative tiles azulejos. They are often blue, which is strongly reminiscent of Delftware. About Portugese pig piggy banks of banks in general there is no further information on the internet available.
