The term is derived from the medieval Italian word for the island of Majorca, from which the maiolica technique was imported.
The maiolica process was created in Islamic Spain and refined and perfected in Italy during the Renaissance.
The glaze used on maiolica pottery contains tin oxide, which gives the earthenware an opaque white appearance.
The maiolica technique was used to create plates, jugs, bowls, tiles and sculptures.
In the 19th century, English and America pottery makers created earthenware inspired by the motifs of Italian maiolica and called it majolica.