What is Pottery?

Pottery is ceramic ware, made of clay that has been transformed into something hard and permanent by drying, firing and glazing. Pottery items can be found in almost every ancient archaeological site, because they are durable and do not decompose. The clay used to make pottery is usually mixed with organic elements and then shaped into useful forms, such as cups, bowls, vases or storage containers. Clay is not the only material that can be used to make pottery, but it is one of the most popular because it is readily available and inexpensive.

Potteries, where potters work, are called kilns. The firing process in a kiln changes the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of a clay body, making it durable and giving it its rock-like appearance. The firing processes include sintering (the fusing together of coarser particles in the body) and glaze formation.

Kilns can be heated by wood, gas or electricity. The temperature of the kiln is crucial in producing the desired results, and different clays require different temperatures to be fired.

Clay that is white or kaolin clay requires the lowest temperature to be fired, and it produces a wide variety of colors in glazed pottery, depending on the type of kiln and the atmosphere. Clay that contains trace amounts of lime turns celadons in a reduction atmosphere, creating pale blue, green or olive-green pottery. This is a delicate process that requires a high level of craftsmanship.

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