Pottery in the Middle Ages was primarily used for everyday household items such as plates, bowls, & jars for storing food & liquids. It was also used for decorative items, such as figurines & tiles for churches. Potters often produced a wide range of wares for different social classes, from simple earthenware for the lower classes to fine stoneware & porcelain for the wealthy.
Exploring Pottery in Medieval Times
Pottery has a rich history that dates back to the ancient world and was used for a variety of purposes. Around 7,000-8,000 years ago, pottery was independently invented in various parts of the world, including China, the Near East, and Mesoamerica. Pottery was also utilized by the ancient Egyptians and Greeks for a number of reasons, including storage, cooking, and ceremonial.
Pottery remained an important aspect of daily life in the Middle Ages. Pottery was used to manufacture a variety of domestic objects, including plates, bowls, and jars for storing food and liquids. It was also used to make decorative things like as sculptures and church tiles. Potters frequently created a diverse range of wares for various socioeconomic levels, from plain earthenware for the poorer classes to beautiful stoneware and porcelain for the wealthy. Pottery was a significant industry in medieval towns and villages, and many potters passed on their knowledge to several generations of apprentices.
During the Middle Ages, pottery production was inspired not just by old traditions, but also by Islamic pottery from the Near East, which was widely traded and reproduced in Europe. Islamic pottery introduced new techniques and designs that European potters borrowed.
What Are The Different Types Of Pottery That Were Used In The Middle Ages?
Several varieties of pottery were employed for diverse reasons during the Middle Ages. These are some examples:
Earthenware: The most basic sort of pottery, earthenware is manufactured from clay mixed with other ingredients such as sand or grog. Earthenware was the most popular sort of pottery in the Middle Ages, and it was frequently used for basic household objects like plates, bowls, and jars for keeping food and liquids.
Stoneware: Stoneware is a more durable and stronger type of pottery that is fired at a higher temperature than earthenware. Stoneware was commonly used for objects that required heat and wear resistance, such as cooking pots and storage jars.
Porcelain: Porcelain is a sort of exquisite pottery created from a unique type of clay called kaolin. Porcelain, like stoneware, is fired at a higher temperature and is recognized for its translucency, toughness, and whiteness. In the Middle Ages, porcelain was considered a luxury material and was frequently used for decorative goods such as figures and vases.
Majolica: Majolica is a style of earthenware that is coated in a white tin glaze and then painted with multicolored enamel paints. Majolica pottery was popular in the Middle Ages, notably in Italy, and was frequently used for decorative goods such as tiles and plates.
Lead-glazed earthenware: This is a type of earthenware with a glossy surface that has been coated with a lead glaze. Lead-glazed earthenware was popular in the Middle Ages and was frequently used for jugs, bowls, and plates.
Terracotta: Terracotta is a type of unglazed pottery manufactured from clay that is burnt at a lower temperature than other types of pottery. Terracotta was frequently employed in the construction of architectural features including as roof tiles, floor tiles, and sculptures.
Overall, Middle Ages pottery was broad and varied, ranging from the most basic earthenware to the most luxurious porcelain, and was used for a wide range of purposes, from ordinary household items to decorative things.
What Are The Different Types Of Pottery That Were Popular In The Middle Ages?
Various forms of pottery were popular during the Middle Ages, depending on their intended usage. The most popular type of pottery was earthenware, which was made from clay and baked at a lower temperature and was used for everyday utilitarian tasks such as cooking and storage. Earthenware was often unglazed, which made it less durable and porous while also making it less expensive.
Fine pottery, such as porcelain and stoneware, was also widely employed for decoration. Porcelain, consisting of kaolin and feldspar, was burned at a higher temperature and valued for its translucence and whiteness. Stoneware, which was formed from fine-grained clay and baked at a higher temperature than earthenware, was more durable and frequently glazed, and it was used for a variety of functions, including drinking vessels and storage jars. Furthermore, Middle Ages pottery was divided into regional production; for example, Islamic, Byzantine, and Chinese ceramics had a significant influence on European pottery.
What Are The Different Ways That Pottery Was Used In The Middle Ages?
Pottery was utilized for a number of applications during the Middle Ages. The most common type of pottery, earthenware, was used for cooking and storing food. It was also employed in the production of jugs, bowls, and other household objects. Porcelain, a finer sort of pottery, was used to create beautiful vases and other decorative things.
Pottery was also employed to make flooring tiles and to decorate the walls of churches and other structures. Pottery was also employed for religious purposes, such as the creation of altar pieces and reliquaries. Overall, pottery was a major component of daily life throughout the Middle Ages, serving both functional and ornamental functions.
What Is The Medieval Pottery Research Group Researching?
The Medieval Pottery Research Group (MPRG) is a UK-based organization that undertakes research on medieval pottery, which is widely believed to be between the 5th and 16th centuries CE. The group’s primary concentration is on medieval pottery from Britain and Europe, but it also undertakes research on pottery from other parts of the world that had interaction with medieval Europe.
The MPRG studies different elements of medieval pottery, such as production processes, chronology, distribution, commerce, and use. The research of the group is multidisciplinary, combining archaeology, history, geology, petrology, and scientific analysis. The MPRG also collaborates closely with museums, archaeological units, and other organizations to promote medieval pottery research and make it available to a wider audience.
How Were Ceramic Building Materials Used In The Middle Ages?
In the Middle Ages, ceramic building materials were widely employed for both ornamental and utilitarian uses. Floor and wall tiles were one of the most common applications for ceramic building materials in the Middle Ages. These tiles were frequently used to embellish cathedrals, castles, and other significant structures, as well as to create a long-lasting and easy-to-clean surface in places such as kitchens, bathrooms, and staircases. Ceramic roofing tiles were very popular during the Middle Ages, particularly in Mediterranean climates.
Another prominent ceramic building material utilized in the Middle Ages was brick. Clay was shaped into blocks and then fired in a kiln to make bricks. Bricks were used to build a wide range of structures, including dwellings, walls, and towers. They were especially popular in locations where stone was scarce or very expensive.
In the Middle Ages, ceramic building materials were frequently used for architectural embellishment. Glazed ceramics, for example, were used to make beautiful tilework and faience, a type of glazed pottery. Faience was employed to make decorative components like window surrounds, friezes, and caryatids.
What Processes Were Involved In Pottery Manufacture During This Period?
Several steps were involved in pottery production during the Middle Ages:
Potters would obtain clay from local sources such as riverbeds or pits. To improve the clay’s workability and strength, it would next be cleaned and blended with other materials, such as sand or grog (crushed, previously fired clay).
Forming: The clay was then moulded into the required shape by coiling, slab building, or throwing on a potter’s wheel.
Drying: The produced pottery was allowed to dry for several days or weeks. To avoid cracking or warping, this process has to be carefully monitored.
Firing: The pottery was dried before being placed in a kiln and fired at high temperatures. The clay was made stronger and more durable throughout the firing process. Different forms of pottery required various firing conditions and temperatures.
Decorating: Before firing, some pottery was embellished with incising, stamping, or painting processes. Other pottery was embellished after firing using glazing or slip-trailing techniques.
Finishing: The final phase in the production of pottery was to polish it with a smooth stone or cloth to give it a shiny sheen.
This is a common procedure for making pottery; minor changes may occur based on the region or culture. Pottery production in the Middle Ages was a specialized trade that needed understanding of clay qualities, firing procedures, and decorative techniques. Potters passed down their talents from generation to generation and frequently worked in huge workshops or guilds.
What Are Middle Anglo-Saxon Continental Wares And How Did They Differ From Other Types Of Pottery?
Middle Anglo-Saxon continental ceramics are a form of pottery made in continental Europe and imported into England during the Anglo-Saxon period (approximately AD 600-850). These wares were often composed of high-quality clay and fired at high temperatures, producing a hard, dense ceramic.
They were frequently ornamented with geometric designs or animal themes and served a range of functions such as storage, cooking, and serving food. They are distinct from other forms of pottery made in England at the time, which were often fashioned from inferior quality clay and fired at a lower temperature. Native goods were frequently less sophisticated and ornamented than continental wares.
Why Was White Pottery A Popular Choice For Craftsmen In The Middle Ages?
For a variety of reasons, white pottery was a favored option among craftspeople in the Middle Ages. One reason was that it was regarded a premium item because to its difficulty in production compared to other forms of pottery. In addition, white pottery is more durable and less likely to break than other varieties of pottery. Furthermore, the pottery’s white finish gave a flat surface that was simple to embellish with elaborate designs. White pottery had incredibly expressive artistic motifs that may be considered the highest form of art in the Middle Ages. Because it was linked with purity and holiness, white pottery was also commonly employed in religious rites.
Could Thinly Potted Stoneware Be Found Across Europe During This Time Period?
During the Middle Ages, thinly potted stonewares were uncommon in Europe. Stoneware is a type of pottery made from clay that has been cooked to a high temperature, producing a dense, hard substance that is water resistant and effective for storing liquids.
Stoneware was mostly created in Germany and the neighboring areas during the Middle Ages, and it was not widely distributed beyond Europe. Instead, other forms of pottery were utilized more frequently, such as earthenware and porcelain. However, by the end of the Middle Ages, stoneware production had expanded to other countries of Europe, most notably the Netherlands and England.
How Did Pottery Change Throughout The Early Medieval Period (500-1000 Ad)?
Several innovations in production processes and styles occurred in pottery throughout the early medieval period (500-1000 AD).
The transition from hand-made to wheel-thrown pottery represented one of the most major shifts throughout this time period. Technological advancements and rising demand for pottery were the main causes of this shift. Wheel-thrown pottery was more efficient to make and could be produced in bigger quantities than hand-crafted pottery. The amount of pottery produced increased significantly as a result of this change in production methods.
The introduction of new types of pottery was another alteration during this time period. For example, the use of glaze was introduced during the early medieval period, allowing for the fabrication of more artistic and colorful pottery.
During this time period, there was also a shift in the pottery decoration styles. Early medieval pottery was mainly adorned with simple geometric patterns, although later periods saw more ornate motifs such as animal and human figures.
Last but not least, the trade networks that arose throughout this period enabled the flow of pottery and pottery-making processes between different cultures and areas. As a result, new pottery patterns and forms that were influenced by various cultures emerged.
Overall, substantial improvements in pottery manufacture and design occurred during the early medieval period, resulting in a wider variety and variety of pottery accessible.
What Are Some Examples Of Heavily Potted Porcelains That Date Back To The Middle Ages?
The history of heavily potted porcelains from the Middle Ages is sketchy. Until the 18th century, during the Qing Dynasty in China, porcelain was not commonly made or used in Europe. Earthenware and stoneware are two examples of densely potted ceramics that were popular during the Middle Ages.
Earthenware was created from clay and fired at a lower temperature than other forms of pottery, making it more porous and less durable. On the other hand, stoneware was manufactured from a form of clay that was fired at a higher temperature, making it more durable and water-resistant. These sorts of pottery were used for cooking, storage, and adornment, among other things.
How Can Archeologists Learn About Ancient Cultures From Studying Pottery Sherds?
Archaeologists can learn about ancient cultures by examining pottery sherds’ style, decoration, and technology. They can also learn about the trade and economic systems of the society, as well as its social and political structures. Furthermore, analyzing the chemical makeup of the pottery might reveal information about the source of the clay as well as the context in which it was created. Pottery sherds can also be used to date a location and give historical information.
Were There Any Intricate Painted Designs On Ancient Pots, Or Were All Decorations Quite Simple?
Pottery ornamentation vary by culture and time period in ancient times. Some antique jars had complex painted motifs, while others were plain.
Pottery decorations, for example, were frequently highly intricate in ancient Greece and Rome and included images from mythology, daily life, and religious themes. Red-figure and black-figure pottery were employed by them.
Pottery decorations in ancient China vary by geography and time era. The bright and elaborate motifs on Tang dynasty sancai pottery are examples of the intricate designs on some ancient Chinese pottery. Other ancient Chinese pottery from the Han dynasty included basic geometric patterns and calligraphy.
Pottery decorations in ancient Egypt were often simple and geometric in character, with stripes, zigzags, and dots as motifs.
Overall, while many ancient pots were decorated simply, there were also many examples of elaborate designs, depending on the culture and time period.
Conclusion And Summary
Pottery from the Middle Ages provides a window into the past, providing insight into ancient societies’ daily lives and cultural values. Understanding the various types and applications of pottery, as well as the techniques used to manufacture it, can help us appreciate the beauty and talent of the artisans who created it. Furthermore, the examination of pottery sherds can give archaeologists vital information about ancient cultures and their trade networks. For understanding and appreciating Middle Ages history, pottery is a significant item.
Pottery was widely used in the Middle Ages for a variety of purposes. In the Roman period, the manufacturing techniques and raw materials for pottery were already well established, and these techniques were continued and developed during the Early Iron Age. From the eighth to the tenth century, Stamford Ware and sandy wares were popular pottery styles in the Iberian Peninsula and South Yorkshire.
Pottery was used by both peasants and nobility in daily practice, and highly polished bowls were popular among the elite. According to Jean Le Patourel, pottery was an integral part of the rural world in the Middle Ages. Pottery was used for storing food, cooking, and serving dishes. It was also used for making vessels for drinking and eating.
During the Renaissance, maiolica pottery was a popular style that was highly decorative and colorful. According to Maureen Mellor, this style of pottery was first produced in Italy and later spread throughout Europe. Today, examples of maiolica pottery can be found in museums such as the Topfereimuseum Raeren in the Czech Republic.
Pottery has been used for thousands of years, with some of the earliest examples of pottery dating back to the Neolithic period. One excellent example of Neolithic pottery is the pottery from Dolni Vestonice, which is known for its dark red color and ringing tone.
Pottery was easily accessible to people in the Middle Ages, and transfer printing was a popular technique for decorating pottery. This technique involved using a mold to print an inked design onto potsherds, which were then affixed to the surface of a vessel.
Pottery was used for a wide range of purposes in the Middle Ages, including storing dairy products, cooking and serving food, and making vessels for drinking and eating. Today, pottery is still a popular art form and can be found in many different styles and forms.
Epilogue
Pottery was widely used during the Middle Ages for various purposes such as manufacturing, building materials, and household items. During the Roman period, pottery was used extensively for storing, cooking, and serving food and drink. In the Early Iron Age, manufacturing techniques and raw materials improved, resulting in the production of higher-quality pottery vessels. In the eighth and tenth centuries, Sandy Wares and Stamford Ware were popular types of pottery used in daily practice. Peasants and nobility alike used highly polished bowls for food and drink.
Pottery was also used as a building material during the Middle Ages. Excavations of two late Medieval kilns in Downpatrick and North Berwick revealed the production of clay roof tiles and pottery used for constructing buildings. Medieval and later building materials were also studied in the Midlands Purple and Cistercian Ware kilns in Worcestershire.
Archaeologists have discovered Anglo-Saxon mammiform pottery vessels, early Chinese wares, and polychrome jugs from Saintonge. Studies have been conducted on Medieval ceramic roof furniture, kiln pottery, and tile wasters. Neutron activation analysis was used to study Tating Ware, imported Spanish pottery, Mediterranean and Ligurian ceramics, and medieval Mudejar ceramics.
Imported ceramics from the Meuse Valley and Continental stove-tiles were also used during the Middle Ages. Potters and pots were studied to gain insight into European lifestyles, while wheel-turned pottery and primitive kilns were used to create various types of pottery. A preliminary typological survey was conducted in Scotland, and a specialist scholar, Maureen Mellor, examined the Rye ‘Royal Presentation’ Jug.
Other uses of pottery during the Middle Ages included the development of the Continental imports and the analysis of statistical aspects of pottery production. The Merovingian period and Mayen Industry were also studied, as were the Ligurian Tablewares and splashed glazes. The Dutch shipwrecks and wheel marks provided insight into the basic technology of pottery-making, while the superficial refinement and geochemical fingerprinting allowed for the identification of pottery from different regions. The Hertfordshire Greyware vessels were also studied for their identity and ethnicity.
Pottery production in the Middle Ages was a widespread activity with a variety of uses. Excavations of two late medieval kilns in Downpatrick uncovered early 13th-century double-flued pottery kilns, and the discovery of Scottish redware pottery from the North Berwick nunnery tile kiln also provides valuable insights into the production techniques and the types of pottery used in the Middle Ages. Neutron activation analysis was used to study medieval ceramics, specifically Tating Ware, revealing important information about the raw materials and manufacturing techniques used. Non-Flemish and Meuse Valley ceramics, Platform Wharf imported pottery, and twelfth and thirteenth-century Coventry wares provide further evidence of the range of pottery produced and traded during the Middle Ages.
Jan Emens Menneken of Raeren, a Flemish potter, was a significant figure in the development of European ceramics in the Middle Ages. His work is an example of the innovative and advanced pottery manufacturing techniques used during this period. Fishing communities were also heavily involved in the production of pottery, and Archaeomagnitude determinations in South Derbyshire have revealed the widespread use of basic technology and primitive kilns.
The discovery of the Developed Stamford Ware coin-hoard pot and other coin-hoard pots highlight the use of pottery as a medium for storing and safeguarding valuable objects. Bernard Rackham’s pioneering book and specialist scholar Maureen Mellor’s work on La Poterie Carolingienne de Trans provide valuable insights into the production and use of pottery during this period.
Late Norse case studies, such as Tania Manuel Casimiro’s research, show that pottery was used for both practical and ceremonial purposes, while the earliest dated finds from Kingston Upon Thames and the North Suffolk Border reveal that pottery production has been a significant part of British prehistory. Lead glazing techniques were used to create Western Mediterranean commodities, and the Gerald Dunning Archive and the Museum Documentation Association provide insights into the use and documentation of pottery.
The Buttermarket kiln is an example of a non-ceramic view of the use of pottery, with the discovery of a semi-circular fire cover providing insights into how pottery was used in everyday life. Excavated ruins and print volumes, such as Stephen Moorhouse’s work on Stratton Village, provide valuable information about the pottery used during this period, including frilled aprons and everyday pots. Overall, the study of pottery in the Middle Ages reveals the continued tradition of pottery production and its importance in daily life.
Pottery was used for a wide range of purposes in the Middle Ages, including both utilitarian and decorative objects. The study of medieval ceramics has been greatly aided by the Archive of Early Saxon Pottery Stamps and Neutron Activation Analysis of Medieval Ceramics. Tating Ware, a type of medieval Worcestershire pottery, has also been the subject of extensive research, including Neutron Activation Analysis on Tating Ware.
Medieval vessel forms varied widely, and included objects such as Brickware and Brickware objects, as well as devotional or amuletic ceramic purses. Associated Buildings at Glapthorn are just one example of the many sites where pottery has been found. The book Ceramique Medievale en Mediterranee discusses pottery production in the Mediterranean region during the Middle Ages.
Humber Ware Drinking Jugs, Pottery Bird Whistles, and the pottery found at Bishop’s Waltham Palace are other examples of the diversity of medieval pottery. The Frisian Coastal Area, Clogher Yellow Layer, and Ancient Near East are also areas where medieval pottery has been discovered.
Porosity was a common characteristic of medieval pottery, and eighth-century well-dated inventories have provided insights into the use of pottery in the British Isles. Degryse P and Loic Langoet are two scholars who have studied medieval ceramics, and their work has shed light on topics such as Shell-Tempered Ware, rim fragments, and analytical analysis.
Recent excavations have unearthed fascinating examples of medieval pottery, including a Zoomorphic Jug and Red-painted Wasters. The study of clay deposits and Buildings can also reveal important information about medieval pottery production.
Further Reading: You Might Enjoy These Books on Medieval Pottery
- “Medieval Pottery in Britain AD 900-1600” by Michael R. J. Willis
- “Medieval Pottery in Europe, AD 400-1400” by John C. Hurst
- “Pottery in the Making: World Ceramic Traditions” by Emmanuel Cooper
- “Early Medieval Pottery in Northern Europe” by Birgitta Hulthén
- “Pottery in Archaeology” by Clive Orton, Paul Tyers, Alan Vince.
References
Sanders, G. D. R. (2008). The Medieval Pottery. Ayios Stephanos: Excavations at a Bronze Age and Medieval Settlement in Southern Laconia (BSA, 389-410.
Le Patourel, H. J. (1968). Documentary evidence and the medieval pottery industry. Medieval archaeology, 12(1), 101-126.
Vince, A. G. (1985). The Saxon and medieval pottery of London: a review. Medieval Archaeology, 29(1), 25-93.
Mellor, M., Cowell, M. R., Newns, S., & Vince, A. (1994). A synthesis of middle and late Saxon, medieval and early post-medieval pottery in the Oxford region. Oxfordshire Architectural & Historical Society.
