Maiolica was a type of ceramic made in Renaisssance Italy characterised by an opaque, white glaze with oxide usually painted in several colours to produce bright effects. This in turn went on to influence the type of Victorian majolica produced in England in the 19th Century with moulded surfaces and colourful lead glazes. Factories such as Minton, Wedgewood and George Jones began producing these colourful ceramic pieces. Majolica porcelain items could include practical items such as tea pots, game pie tureens, cheese dishes dishes, plates, urns and vases. English majolica porcelain is a very rich and colourful type of porcelain characterised by bright and breezy colours, greens, yellows, blues often with rustic motifs such as animals and foliage. Original Minton Majolica pieces are very in demand and command high prices.