Ceramics and Maiolica, what is the difference? The difference, at least in the common use of the words, does not exist. Maiolica is Ceramics, but not all Ceramics are Maiolica! Deruta is located right in the center of Italy. It has been a flourishing Ceramic center since the 14th century. All of the ceramics we import, are hand mande and hand painted and every piece will be your individual work of art!