Clays

Stoneware and earthenware are two types of ceramics used for pottery making. Stoneware is fired at high temperatures and is denser, stronger and more durable. Earthenware is fired at lower temperatures and is softer, more porous and more fragile. Stoneware is often used for tableware, while earthenware is used for decorative items. Pottery Wars: Stoneware … Read more

Terra sigillata is a fine-grained clay slip used in pottery to create a smooth, polished surface on ceramic ware. The name comes from the Latin “terra” (earth) & “sigillata” (sealed), referencing its ability to create a sealed surface. It is made by separating the fine particles of clay from coarser ones through a process of … Read more

Bone china is a type of porcelain that is made from a mixture of clay, feldspar, & bone ash. It is known for its thin & delicate appearance, as well as its translucency. Bone ash, which is made from the bones of cows, gives bone china its unique properties. It was first developed in England … Read more

Clay can be found in various parts of the world, including riverbeds, hillsides, and sedimentary rock formations. It is formed by the weathering of rocks over a long period of time. Types of clay are formed depending on the composition of the parent rock and the prevailing environmental conditions. Clay is also sometimes found in … Read more

Terracotta is a type of clay-based ceramic material that has been used for centuries to create various objects, including pottery, sculptures, and architectural features. It is often left unglazed and is fired at a relatively low temperature, resulting in a distinctive reddish-brown color. Unearthing the Wonders of Terracotta Terracotta is a type of fired clay … Read more

Terracotta is a type of clay-based ceramic material that is used for making various decorative & functional objects such as sculptures, pots, tiles, & roofing. It is known for its reddish-brown color, porous texture, & relatively low firing temperature. Terracotta has been used for thousands of years in many cultures, including ancient civilizations in China, … Read more

Grog in pottery refers to crushed, fired clay that is added to raw clay to improve its strength and reduce cracking. The grog particles help to distribute stress evenly throughout the piece, making it less likely to break during the firing process. This technique has been used for centuries and is particularly useful for larger … Read more

Earthenware is a type of ceramic material made from a mixture of clay, sand, & water that is fired at low temperatures (typically around 1000-1200°C). It is porous, has a reddish-brown color, & is often used for making decorative objects, such as pottery & terracotta figurines. Earthenware is less durable than other ceramics such as … Read more

Leatherhard clay is a stage in the ceramic making process. Where the clay has hardened enough to retain its shape, but is still pliable enough to be carved, trimmed or otherwise manipulated. It typically occurs after the clay has been shaped and has been air-dried for several hours or overnight, but before it has been … Read more

Slipware is a type of pottery characterized by the use of a liquid clay mixture. It is applied to the surface of pottery before it is decorated with intricate designs using a slip trailer. This technique was popular in the 17th & 18th centuries in England. The slip creates a smooth surface for decoration, and … Read more