Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a coating formulation and thermal transfer ribbon and printer which provide printed images that will permanently mark ceramic material when the printed image is applied to the surface of a ceramic article and fired. These formulations and ribbons contain ceramic pigments that will fuse to the surface of a ceramic material when fired. The printed images can be applied to ceramic materials using the decals of this invention which comprise a printed image on a sacrificial receiving substrate that vaporizes or decomposes when fired. Methods for permanently marking ceramic articles are also provided as are permanently marked ceramic articles.