The Evolution of Pottery

Pottery is an ancient craft, but it continues to evolve. The latest developments include sculptural pieces that are both decorative and functional – think vases, teapots and planters. It also has the ability to make a home feel warm and inviting, with ceramics providing a welcome alternative to sterile glass or metal ornaments.

People first started making pottery 21,000 years ago. It was a necessity: the cold climate in East Asia forced people to increase nutrient intake from starchy plants and meat, which had to be cooked. Pottery allowed them to do that, and the art form has continued to grow ever since.

In the early days, people used clay to line baskets that they carried with them for transporting water. Eventually, they realized that mixing the clay with sand helped create pots that were strong enough to endure being directly exposed to flames in a fire. This process, which is called firing, transforms the clay into a tough and durable material that is naturally non-porous. It’s this durability that makes pottery a popular choice in kitchens to this day.

The earliest forms of pottery were created using hand tools, but it wasn’t until around 1000 BC that the slow wheel was invented, which allowed potters to make bowls and other vessels by spinning the clay on an axle. This was a massive advancement in the pot-making process, and one that was seized on by many cultures all over the world. Modern potters still use the wheel, but they have a variety of other methods to choose from. This includes throwing, which involves shaping a lump of clay by pushing down on it with your hands, and the more precise technique of slipcasting.

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