What is Pottery?

Pottery is a clay-based material that can be shaped to produce functional and decorative items such as bowls, plates, cups, vases, etc. It was one of the first arts to develop along with human civilization and has become one of the most popular hand-made crafts around the world. There are many different types of pottery based on the clay materials used, as well as the method and technique of shaping and firing.

The process of forming pottery begins with wedging the clay, either using a machine or by hand to eliminate air bubbles and ensure consistency. Next the clay is prepared for forming into an item by adding additives such as coarse sand and/or grog, which adds strength to the final product and helps decrease shrinkage during drying. Also colorants such as metal oxides and carbonates, which are usually added singly or in combination to produce coloration in the finished ware, are worked into the clay body before forming.

Once the clay is shaped into the desired item, it must be fired in order to permanently harden the material and set its shape. This is done in a kiln which can be electric or gas operated, or in the traditional way, in a wood-fired Anagama kiln. Firing not only heats the clay to very high temperatures, but chemically changes it so that it will never return to its plastic state again.

Items can be decorated at this stage by painting with underglaze or glaze. Glazes are normally applied by dipping the ceramic in it, spraying it or pouring it over the item.