According to Pottery Magic, the uniqueness of majolica is that the white glaze base and colors applied on top fuse together during firing.
The Gutenberg School of Scribes believes that Persian potters developed the glaze technique as early as the 10th century. Many potters migrated to Majorca, a Spanish island, where the artwork became known as majolica. Unlike the freestyle designs of majolica from Spain, Italian pieces, referred to as maiolica, are famous for their precise patterns.
Originally, majolica glazes were made from tin, iron, gold, silver, cobalt and other minerals.
The majolica glaze technique is still used today; however, modern colors are made from safer, less expensive materials than the metals once used.
Marks on the underside of majolica ceramics are coded symbols denoting the production date and manufacturer.