2, Feb 2021
A Quick Guide to the Three Basic Types of Pottery

Pottery is one of the oldest forms of art. It has been a craft practiced by people since the earliest civilizations. Today,it remains a popular art form that continues to capture the interest of people. Here is a quick guide to three of the basic categories of pottery.

Earthenware

Dating back to the Stone Age,earthenware is the oldest type of pottery. Clay soil is mixed with other materials to create a sturdy medium for pots and similar products. The amount of iron present in the clay material is responsible for the range of colors it produces ranging from browns to reds. The molded or shaped material has to be fired at high temperatures so they firm up. Earthenware pieces are porous,meaning they absorb liquid and tend to stain. They are cheaper and tend to chip and break easier than other types of pottery.

Stoneware

Stoneware clay is naturally gray in color but when fired,it turns brown. What makes it different from earthenware is that it is denser and less porous. As for the processing,it is fired at higher temperatures than earthenware. Oftentimes,they feature color patterns and variations comparable to natural stone. They can also be glazed for added matte or gloss finish. Stoneware items are durable but not as refined and delicate as porcelain. Many ceramic artists prefer stoneware in creating their art pieces.

Porcelain

Porcelain is made from fine-particle clay mixed with other materials. Unlike other ceramics,it is nonporous and tends to be more durable. The art of creating porcelain has witnessed a lot of improvements since its rise during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). It was in the 16th century when ceramicists tried adding glass to clay to reproduce its unique translucence. Porcelain items are known for their white or cream color.

Whether you are interested to try pottery or wish to collect beautiful items from Astier de Villatte online shops,it is important to know the types of ceramics available to you. Pottery and ceramics are wonderful pieces to collect as they come in literally all shapes and sizes. What’s more,it is an underrated art form that is worth trying.

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