Clay Bodies
 
Any clay body will work for majolica, as long as the white glaze and the body “fit” each other – that is, the glaze does not crawl or shiver because of specific oxides or other things in the clay body.

Traditionally, the technique of majolica was a “low-fire” process – therefore, if the white glaze is low fire, the clay body should be low fire as well, to ensure that the ware will be fully fired and water tight. Any low fire earthenware clay, red or white should work.

This section includes recipes for mid-range majolica – obviously one should use a suitable clay for cones 4-6, if using the mid-range glaze formulas
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The early Italian majolica was done on red clay; in later renaissance years, many potters developed techniques for using a purer, whiter clay body. This enabled the ware to have a brighter, more brilliant surface.

If you are using a red or dark clay body, and want a brighter ground for the majolica, using an opaque white slip between the clay body and the white glaze.
 

Recipes: White slips

Recipe for use on bisqued or bonedry clay:
Recipe for use on leatherhard clay:
   
4 parts Kaolin 5 parts Kaolin
4 parts ball clay 5 parts ball clay
5 parts Custer feldspar 5 parts Custer feldspar
6 parts silica 4 parts silica

 

 
 
 
(The “parts” are measured parts, not weighed parts.)