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The Second (Glaze)
Firing:
This is
probably the most fascinating phase of majolica production, and is
carried out in order to produce those various physical and chemical
transformations which have the effect of engendering solidity and
the formation of a more or less compact structure of the ceramic
body with elements of colour. However, let us take it step by step.
Firstly, the objects are placed in the kiln, an extremely delicate
phase as care must be taken not to let the objects touch each other,
otherwise they will fuse together. Once the kiln has been prepared
the second firing takes place, causing fusion of the terracotta, the
enamel and the decoration and finally bringing forth the finished
product. The craftsman’s job is to set
up the right type of firing for the types of enamels and
colours used. Opening a so-called ‘di BELLO’ kiln produces
feelings which are difficult to explain, because this is first and
foremost the result of long, hard labour which still requires the
final judgement of the fire to determine its outcome.
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