Our “Make an Enquiry” page now includes 173 categories of antiques and collectables – some of which are not in everybody’s vocabulary. Having explained “Treen” last week, we thought we should also look at Faience and Maiolica, and their close friend Delftware (which is also Faience, sometimes, and sometimes not; see Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass “it means just what I choose it to mean”.)
Essentially these names refer to fine glazed earthenware. Which is Faience and which is Maiolica? Most of the time it probably doesn’t matter. If you really want to know, Wikipedia has a useful explanation or read Robert Aronson’s piece at www.antiquesandfineart.com
Meanwhile, even if our contributors specialise in Faience or Maiolica or Delftware, we hope they will also show a polite interest in your china or porcelain, whatever it is; and if it’s really not their thing they will point you in the right direction.
We’re not interested in contributors who aren’t helpful!
