Chemical classification of the slip layers in italian ceramics of the 15th-17th century

This work deals with the study of 15th -17th century slipped/glazed and sgraffito ceramics produced by important manufactures of central and northern Italy. Representative samples have been analyzed for the purpose of characterizing and classifying their slip layers. Observations by optical microscopy (OM) on thin section have been carried out in order to determine the structure and the average thickness of the slips. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) has been used to individuate the chemical composition, which has been useful for classifying the slips and defining their provenance area.