Pottery
Pottery
Pottery (/ˈpɒtəri/; from Old English pott, a pot) is the process of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other ceramic materials, which are fired at high temperatures to give them a hard, durable form. Major types include earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. The place where such wares are made by a potter is also called a pottery (plural "potteries").
Etymology
The word "pottery" comes from the Old English pott, meaning a pot. The term may also be used for other similar materials, such as brick and tile, that are fired and hardened.
Types of Pottery
There are three main types of pottery: earthenware, stoneware and porcelain. They differ in the type of clay used to make them, and the temperature at which they are fired.
- Earthenware is made from a relatively porous clay that is fired at low temperatures. It is often glazed to make it waterproof.
- Stoneware is made from a clay that is fired at a high temperature, making it non-porous and very durable. It is often used for cookware and tableware.
- Porcelain is made from a white clay called kaolin, mixed with feldspar and quartz. It is fired at very high temperatures, making it non-porous, translucent, and very durable. It is often used for fine tableware and decorative objects.
Related Terms
- Ceramics - The art and science of making objects from clay or similar materials, which are fired at high temperatures to harden them.
- Kiln - A type of oven used to fire pottery and other ceramic objects.
- Glaze - A coating applied to pottery to make it waterproof and often to add color or decorative designs.
- Potter's wheel - A device used in the shaping of round ceramic ware.
- Clay - A natural material composed primarily of fine-grain minerals, used in making pottery.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pottery
- Wikipedia's article - Pottery
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